Criminal Law
Criminal Law in England and Wales encompasses a wide range of legal practices related to crime and the criminal justice system. Criminal lawyers engage with various aspects of criminal law, including the prosecution and defense of individuals accused of criminal offenses.
Welcome to the world of criminal law
As an aspiring criminal lawyer, you'll soon discover that no two days are the same. From interviewing clients and investigating facts to drafting legal documents and presenting cases in court, your work will be varied and fast-paced. You'll need sharp analytical skills, a passion for justice, and the ability to think on your feet. This page is designed to give you a glimpse into the daily life of a criminal lawyer, offering insights and tips to help you navigate the challenges and seize the opportunities that come your way.
Here’s an overview of the practice area
Nature of work
Prosecution
Representing the state, typically through agencies like the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), to prove that the accused committed the crime.
Defence
Representing individuals or entities accused of criminal conduct, ensuring their rights are protected, and providing a robust defence against the charges.
Advisory roles
Advising clients on their rights, the strength of the evidence against them, potential defences, and likely outcomes.
Criminal offences are categorised depending on their seriousness
Minor offences are typically tried in Magistrates' Courts, such as minor theft, traffic offences, and minor assaults and they are categorised as Summary Offences. Offences that can be tried either in Magistrates' Courts or Crown Court include burglary, drug offences, and some forms of assault. The decision as to where will depend on various factors such as the maximum sentence for the offence in question and the choice of the defendant. These are Either-Way Offences. Serious offences are exclusively tried in Crown Court before a judge and jury, including murder, rape, robbery, and serious fraud and these are categorised as Indictable Offences.
Key competencies
Advocacy
Arguing cases in court, examining and cross-examining witnesses, and making legal submissions.
Case preparation
Gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, liaising with law enforcement, and preparing legal documents.
Negotiation and support
Plea bargaining with prosecutors to achieve reduced sentences or lesser charges.
Client advising
You will be advising clients on a range of matters such as criminal procedure, pleas, mitigation, sentences, appeals, and caselaw to name a few.
Legal research
Keeping up to date with case law, statutes, and regulations affecting criminal law.
Knowledge development
The police Station Representative Accreditation Scheme allows you to represent clients at the police station while they are being detained and questioned as suspects.
Additional training
Additional specialist training in criminal law, advocacy, and forensic evidence can be beneficial. You can become an accredited police station advisor and represent suspects detained at the police station. You can read more about the Police Station Representative Accreditation Scheme (PSRAS) below.
Read about the Police Station Representative Accreditation Scheme
Which organisations do this kind of work?
There are many big, medium and small firms practising criminal law. The Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners rankings are a good place to start your research into such firms.
The Legal 500 has been analysing the capabilities of law firms across the world, with a comprehensive research programme revised and updated every year to bring the most up-to-date vision of the global legal market.
Find criminal law firms with Legal 500
Chambers rankings and insights enable decision makers, from General Counsel at global blue-chip firms, through to local influencers, to secure the talent that’s right for them.
Find criminal law firms with Chambers and Partners
Professional bodies and resources
- The Law Society: Provides resources and support for solicitors on criminal law.
- The Bar Council: Represents barristers and provides relevant information and resources.
- Criminal Bar Association: Offers support and training for criminal barristers.
- Criminal Law Solicitors Association: For professionals working in criminal law in England and Wales.
- Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA): Regulates solicitors in England and Wales.
- Bar Standards Board (BSB): Regulates barristers in England and Wales.