A lawyer's job does not just involve gathering documents and pointing fingers in court.
Both prosecutors and criminal defense attorneys are entitled to do their own detective work when they take on a case.
The goal of their investigations is to find decisive information and evidence that can be used to support their clients' case.
The best defense attorneys seek the truth despite its consequences.
As official legal representatives of the defendant, it is their job to make sure their clients' individual rights are protected in court.
A criminal defense lawyer reminds the judge and jury that everyone has the right to be treated innocent until proven guilty, and that for a crime to warrant a grave sentence, the defendant must be proven beyond reasonable doubt of both guilty mind and guilty intent.
Not only should there be a clear motive for committing the crime, the defendant must also be proven to have willingly and premeditatedly chosen to do the malicious or violent act.
Criminal defense attorneys employ a variety of resources to gather valuable information and evidence that can support their client's case.
They may direct outside investigators to use state-of-the-art databases and equipment, such as polygraphs and forensic laboratory testing apparatus.
Defense lawyers are entitled to follow up leads, look through related crime scene investigation files and police interviews and, do background investigations of involved parties.
Should they find solid, supporting evidence, they can use it to help draw out the best possible outcome for their client's case.