If you’re facing legal trouble or heading to court, you might be wondering: Do I need a trial lawyer or a criminal lawyer? While these titles are sometimes used interchangeably, they’re not the same thing. Understanding the difference can help you choose the right attorney—especially if you’re dealing with criminal charges in Southern Maryland.
What Is a Criminal Lawyer?
A criminal lawyer—also called a criminal defense attorney—focuses on defending individuals or organizations accused of crimes. These attorneys handle everything from misdemeanor charges like DUI or theft to serious felony cases such as drug distribution, assault, or homicide.
In Maryland, criminal defense lawyers deal with a wide range of issues, including:
- Arrests and pretrial hearings
- Bail and bond reviews
- Suppression motions and evidentiary disputes
- Plea negotiations with the State’s Attorney
- Bench and jury trials
- Post-conviction matters such as expungements or appeals
A criminal lawyer may resolve most cases through negotiation or procedural motions—many criminal cases never make it to trial. However, when a trial becomes necessary, experience in the courtroom is crucial.
What Is a Trial Lawyer?
A trial lawyer is any attorney who regularly represents clients in court trials. This includes both civil and criminal cases. Trial lawyers may litigate:
- Personal injury lawsuits
- Business disputes
- Family law matters
- Medical malpractice claims
- Criminal trials
Unlike transactional attorneys or those who mainly handle legal documents behind the scenes, trial lawyers specialize in presenting evidence, questioning witnesses, and persuading a jury or judge. Their job is to win cases in court.
Trial Lawyer vs Criminal Lawyer: Key Differences
| Feature | Criminal Lawyer | Trial Lawyer |
|---|---|---|
| Focus Area | Criminal law only | Criminal or civil law |
| Typical Cases | DUI, assault, drug charges, theft | Car accidents, contract disputes, criminal trials |
| Trial Experience | Some do trials; others settle | Trial-focused across case types |
| Goal | Protect client from conviction or minimize penalties | Win in court, whether civil or criminal |
Can a Criminal Lawyer Be a Trial Lawyer?
Absolutely. In fact, at Southern Maryland Criminal Defense, our attorneys are both. We focus exclusively on criminal defense, but we’re also seasoned trial lawyers who are prepared to take your case to court if the prosecutor won’t make a fair offer.
Some criminal lawyers primarily negotiate plea deals or handle pretrial motions. Others—like us—build each case with the assumption that it could go to trial, which gives clients stronger leverage and better outcomes.
Why This Matters in Southern Maryland
If you’ve been charged with a crime in Charles, Prince George’s, Calvert, or St. Mary’s County, you need more than just legal knowledge—you need courtroom experience.
Prosecutors in Southern Maryland are aggressive. They know which defense lawyers are willing to fight and which ones always settle. Choosing a criminal trial lawyer ensures your defense is built to withstand pressure and take your case to verdict if needed.
Charged With a Crime? You Need a Southern Maryland Criminal Defense Trial Lawyer
At Southern Maryland Criminal Defense, we understand the courts, the prosecutors, and the strategies that work in this region. Whether your case ends in a dismissal, a plea, or a jury trial, we’re prepared to fight for your freedom every step of the way.
Don’t gamble with your future. Contact us today to schedule a confidential consultation and get a defense lawyer who’s ready for trial.
