What is the Difference Between a Lawyer and a Defense Attorney?

It can be tricky to fight legal battles without professional assistance. You often need help from someone who knows the ins and outs of the law. A professional who understands the field extensively and carries the wisdom to help you make informed decisions. However, most people do not understand the different types of lawyers and what they do. The distinction between them is important to know in case you need representation. It is important to find more info on the type of lawyer you need before making your decision. But first, let us look at the difference between two of the most confusing terms in law; a lawyer and a defense attorney. 

Who is a Lawyer?

A lawyer practices law and represents you in court, regardless of whether you are a defendant or a plaintiff. They offer you legal advice and carry out thorough, transparent discussions with you to decide how best to approach your case. Lawyers come with various specializations, and it is good to look for a lawyer whose expertise lies in a field that is relevant to you. They can be civil lawyers, criminal defense lawyers, DUI defense lawyers, environmental lawyers, intellectual property lawyers, and non-profit lawyers.

The legal profession is one of handsome pay but immense responsibility. Most lawyers are open to private practice and can represent various people- including criminals or those accused of crimes. Although it is possible to represent yourself in court, hiring a lawyer if you can afford one is often the smarter move to make.

What are the Duties of a Lawyer?

A lawyer is your primary defender in court proceedings. They defend you by providing evidence, making arguments in your favor, and presenting witness testimonies that reinforce your narrative. They are with you to fight for your freedom. A lawyer can also act as your advisor and guide you through tricky legal waters in the capacity of your counsel. While the case is under trial, a lawyer may conduct interviews with you and other people connected to your case to draw a comprehensive picture of it and then tilt it in your favor. If they are a solicitor, bear in mind that they can only accompany you to a lower court. 

 Lawyers can come in useful even in cases that do not involve a crime. For instance, if you are setting up a business, you’ll need a lawyer to deal with three main elements: business owners, the public and third parties, and the government. A lawyer could help you evaluate tax liabilities and help contain your risks when negotiating with third parties. Further, they can assist you in settling disagreements around your business. 

Who is a Defense Attorney?

A defense attorney represents an individual or a firm and defends them against criminal charges. Since attorneys can conduct businesses, they are called “agents” of law. A defense attorney is like a lawyer in that they can represent you in court. To provide court services, defense attorneys need to have equivalent qualifications to those that a lawyer needs.

An attorney can choose to provide all the services they can or can specialize in a few and refuse to provide others. Attorneys can do what a lawyer can do, but their position as agents makes them hold important positions in various other fields of practice. These positions include tax attorney, education attorney, immigration attorney, health attorney, corporate and securities attorney, family and juvenile attorney, employment or labor attorney, real estate attorney, international attorney, and sports and entertainment attorney.   

What are the Duties of a Defense Attorney?

A defense attorney gathers information and decides if the client is moving towards an acquittal or a conviction. This decision ends up driving the approach that they take when they represent you in court. They can aid in solving your case and save your time and money. As your advisor, they can prepare contracts, pleas, and other legal documents. They also have the power to sign a loan and represent you if you face legal trouble there.

A defense attorney often has power of attorney, which is a document that allows them to give an agent or another individual the authority over certain situations such as financial transactions or health care decisions. 

What is the Difference Between a Lawyer and a Defense Attorney?

Although both a lawyer and a defense attorney are legal professionals, there are key differences in their responsibilities. A lawyer is a professional who practices law and represents their client in court. A defense attorney is an agent of law who assists and represents the client in various areas within and beyond the court. A defense attorney thus wields a broader set of powers. However, when it comes to a legal battle in court, there is no position more specialized than a lawyer. No attorney can practice in court unless they are an attorney of law. 

Which of these should you go with? That depends entirely on what you are up against. Choose wisely.