Criminal Defense Attorney: What you need to know before entering law school.
A career in criminal law is one of the most challenging, complex, and at the same time, fascinating within the legal field.
A criminal defense attorney is the professional responsible for acting in cases related to crimes and criminal offenses, defending the rights of their clients and ensuring that justice is applied correctly.
If you've ever wondered "I want to be a lawyer, where do I start?" or still have questions about the profession or even what to study to become a criminal defense lawyer, this complete guide will clarify all these points.
So stick around and keep reading to learn all about criminal defense lawyers!
What does a criminal defense attorney do?
A criminal lawyer is the professional who acts in the defense or prosecution. in cases related to Criminal Law. This includes situations such as:
- Crimes against life (homicide, femicide, illegal abortion, infanticide);
- Crimes against property (robbery, theft, fraud);
- Crimes against public administration (corruption, embezzlement);
- Environmental crimes (illegal deforestation, river pollution and hunting of protected species);
- Cybercrimes (system intrusion, online fraud, data leaks and online scams);
- Crimes related to drug trafficking (from the transportation and sale of narcotics to conspiracy to traffic drugs).
In summary, A criminal defense attorney is responsible for representing people who are being investigated or accused of committing crimes., ensuring that the process follows all constitutional principles, such as the right to a full defense and the right to a fair hearing.
Furthermore, he can work in preventative consulting, advising individuals and companies on how to avoid legal problems in the criminal sphere.
What does a criminal defense attorney need to know before going to law school?
Many who wish to pursue this career have numerous questions about what to expect from it. degree in Law.
Therefore, before beginning your academic journey, it is essential to understand some important points:
- The degree is in Law, not Criminal Law.
There is no specific criminal law degree. You will complete a law degree, which generally lasts five years, and only afterwards can you choose to work in the criminal field. - You need to enjoy reading and argumentation.
Criminal law practice demands constant study, staying updated on laws and case law, and extensive practice in argumentation. - The routine can be intense and emotionally challenging.
A criminal lawyer deals with sensitive cases, often those with high public profile or strong emotional impact. - After graduating from law school, passing the bar exam is mandatory.
To practice law, it is necessary to pass the Brazilian Bar Association exam.
And if you want to know how to become a criminal defense lawyer, the next topic can help you!
Read also: Faculty of Criminal, Labor, and Business Law: understand the differences
I want to become a criminal defense lawyer: where do I start?
Now that you know What is a law degree like?, look What path should you follow to become a criminal defense attorney?.
To make things easier, we've outlined the 5 main steps you should follow to begin your journey in law. Check them out!
1. Choose a good law school.
The first step for anyone who dreams of becoming a criminal defense lawyer is to choose a quality higher education institution.
A College will be the foundation of your education., Therefore, it is important to analyze the curriculum, the faculty, the infrastructure, and even the internship opportunities that the university offers.
One good law school It can open doors in the future. and to facilitate your preparation for criminal law practice.
2. Dedicate yourself to your studies from the beginning.
During a law degree, all subjects are important, but those who wish to pursue a career in criminal law... It is necessary to have a special focus on subjects such as Criminal Law, Constitutional Law, and Criminal Procedure.
Study with discipline Even from the first semesters, it will make a difference in future performance, including to pass the OAB exam.
The sooner you get used to the routine of reading and interpreting laws, the better prepared you will be for the challenges of the profession.
3. Participate in internships and legal practice programs.
Theory is fundamental, but it is It's through practice that you learn how the day-to-day work of a criminal lawyer functions.
Participating in internships at law firms specializing in law, public defender offices, or even in courts is essential to understanding the daily routine of a criminal defense lawyer.
Furthermore, the legal practice centers The courses offered by the college allow participants to experience simulated or real cases., which helps develop confidence and experience even during undergraduate studies.
One of the institutions that offer a legal practice center is the ESEG Faculty., from the Etapa Group, located in São Paulo.
In this environment, students have direct contact with professional routines and develop fundamental skills to work safely and with excellence in the field of Law.
4. Attend trials and hearings.
One of the best ways to learn about criminal law is to attend trials and hearings.
Watching lawyers in court, understanding how they construct their arguments and how they behave before the judge and jury is a true practical lesson.
This experience shows the real dynamics of criminal proceedings and can inspire how you intend to act in the future.
5. Prepare for the Bar Exam
No lawyer can practice law without passing the Brazilian Bar Association (OAB) exam. Therefore, to do a law school, which offers full support and assistance in preparing for this exam, is essential.
While you're studying, get organized for this challenge. The test requires in-depth knowledge in various areas of Law, However, the section on Criminal Law and Criminal Procedure is especially important. For those who want to pursue a career as a criminal defense lawyer.
In addition to theoretical study, it is important Practice with past exams and develop problem-solving techniques. to ensure approval.
Once you pass the OAB exam, you will be ready to practice as a criminal defense lawyer and can pursue specializations to enhance your knowledge and solidify your career in the field.
Read also: What you need to know about the OAB (Brazilian Bar Association) before starting your law degree.
What should I study to become a criminal defense lawyer?
During undergraduate studies, all subjects in a law degree are important, but those who wish to practice criminal law should pay special attention to:
- Criminal Law – Study of the laws that define crimes and their penalties.
- Criminal Procedural Law – Rules governing the criminal process.
- Criminology – Analysis of crime, the criminal, and society.
- Constitutional Law – A foundation for understanding fundamental rights and individual guarantees.
- Administrative Law – Important for understanding crimes committed against public administration.
Furthermore, courses in public speaking, negotiation techniques, and legal argumentation can make all the difference in one's career.
How much does a successful criminal defense lawyer earn?
A criminal defense lawyer's salary varies considerably depending on experience, region, and the complexity of the cases.
- Starting career: a newly graduated lawyer can earn between R$ 2,000 and R$ 5,000 per month., depending on the customers you win over.
- Experienced lawyer: After a few years of practice, the average can rise to R$ 8,000 to R$ 15,000.
- Successful criminal defense lawyer: Renowned professionals, who work on high-profile cases, can receive fees exceeding R$ 50,000 per case.
This means that criminal defense law can be extremely lucrative, but it requires dedication, study, and building a solid reputation in the market.
Read also: How much does a criminal defense lawyer earn in São Paulo?
Conclusion
Being a criminal defense lawyer is much more than knowing laws and codes: it's about fighting for justice, guaranteeing clients' rights, and having the courage to work on complex and often controversial cases.
If you're wondering where to start, know that the answer is simple: Start by graduating with a law degree., Study diligently, do internships, prepare for the Bar exam, and then invest in specializations.
Criminal law practice can be challenging, but it also offers great personal, intellectual, and financial rewards.
For those with determination and a passion for the field, this is one of the most stimulating careers within Law.
And you, have you decided if criminal law is the right path for your future?
Come to ESEG College, in São Paulo, Study Law with top-level professors from Grupo Etapa, a benchmark in academic excellence and success in the most competitive entrance exams and universities in the country.
Study Law with those who truly understand real legal training!
