How Much Money Does a Criminal Lawyer Make?
Criminal lawyers, also known as criminal defense attorneys or public defenders, play a crucial role in the criminal justice system. They work to defend individuals accused of crimes, ensuring that their constitutional rights are respected and that they receive a fair trial. But just how much money do criminal lawyers make?
Average Salary for Criminal Lawyers
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for lawyers in the United States is $126,930. However, salaries for criminal lawyers can vary significantly depending on factors such as location, experience, and type of practice.
Salaries by Industry
Here are some average salary ranges for criminal lawyers in different industries:
| Industry | Average Salary Range |
|---|---|
| Federal Government | $134,630 – $180,000 |
| State Government | $95,000 – $130,000 |
| Private Practice | $80,000 – $150,000 |
| Public Defender | $60,000 – $90,000 |
| Prosecution | $70,000 – $120,000 |
Salaries by Location
Salaries for criminal lawyers also vary significantly depending on location. Here are some average salary ranges for criminal lawyers in different cities:
| City | Average Salary Range |
|---|---|
| New York City | $150,000 – $250,000 |
| Los Angeles | $120,000 – $200,000 |
| Chicago | $90,000 – $150,000 |
| Houston | $80,000 – $140,000 |
| Phoenix | $70,000 – $130,000 |
Factors Affecting Salary
Several factors can impact the salary of a criminal lawyer, including:
• Experience: More experienced lawyers tend to earn higher salaries.
• Type of Practice: Private practice lawyers tend to earn higher salaries than public defenders.
• Location: Lawyers in major cities tend to earn higher salaries than those in smaller cities or rural areas.
• Specialization: Lawyers who specialize in a particular area of criminal law, such as capital punishment or white-collar crime, may earn higher salaries than those who practice general criminal law.
• Certifications: Lawyers who are certified by the National Board of Trial Advocacy (NBTA) or the American Board of Certification (ABC) may earn higher salaries than those who are not certified.
Top-Earning Criminal Lawyers
Some of the highest-paid criminal lawyers in the United States include:
- Robert Shapiro: Partner at O’Melveny & Myers, known for his work on high-profile cases such as the O.J. Simpson trial. Salary: $1 million+
- Mark Geragos: Partner at Geragos & Geragos, known for his work on high-profile cases such as the Michael Jackson trial. Salary: $750,000+
- Harland Braun: Partner at Braun & Company, known for his work on high-profile cases such as the Scott Peterson trial. Salary: $500,000+
Conclusion
Criminal lawyers play a critical role in the criminal justice system, and their salaries can vary significantly depending on factors such as location, experience, and type of practice. While the average salary for criminal lawyers is around $126,000, some of the highest-paid criminal lawyers in the United States earn salaries in excess of $1 million. If you’re considering a career as a criminal lawyer, it’s important to consider these factors and research salaries in your desired location to get a better sense of what you can expect.
