Criminal defense

 Within the complex criminal justice system, a defense attorney serves as the defendant's guide, protector, and confidant

Criminal defense attorneys research the facts, investigate the case against their clients, and try to negotiate deals with the prosecutors. These deals might include reduced bail, reduced charges, and reduced sentences. Because of a number of factors—political and public pressure, overcrowded jails, overloaded court calendars—deal-making has grown in importance and has become an essential element in unclogging the criminal justice system.

Criminal defense attorneys also examine witnesses, help formulate a plea, analyze the prosecutor's case, assess the potential sentences (and the likelihood of a particular judge awarding such a sentence), review search and seizure procedures, question witnesses, and gather evidence. 

Defense counsel also provides more personal services by giving the defendant a reality check as to the possible outcomes and by helping the defendant to deal with the frustrations and fears resulting from being thrown into the criminal justice system. 

And of course, if no plea deal is acceptable to the client, the defense lawyer zealously represents the defendant at trial.