Legal Definitions - defense attorney

A defense attorney, also known as a defense lawyer, is a legal professional who represents a defendant in a lawsuit or criminal case. Their job is to defend their client's rights and interests in court.

In criminal cases, defense attorneys are formally referred to as "criminal defense attorneys." They represent defendants who have been accused of committing a crime. In civil cases, defense attorneys represent defendants who are being sued by another party.

Defense attorneys are hired by the defendant to represent them throughout the legal process, including trial. However, if a defendant cannot afford a lawyer, a defense attorney called a public defender is provided to the defendant by the court for representation.

• A defense attorney represents a person who has been accused of robbery.
• A defense attorney represents a company that is being sued for breach of contract.
• A public defender is appointed to represent a defendant who cannot afford a lawyer in a criminal case.

These examples illustrate how defense attorneys represent defendants in both criminal and civil cases. They work to protect their client's rights and interests in court, whether they are an individual or a company. In some cases, a public defender is appointed to represent a defendant who cannot afford a lawyer.