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Hi, what does the daily life of a criminal prosecutor look like? From the moment you wake up to when you head to bed?
My name's Tahsin, I'm a high school junior who's interested in becoming a criminal prosecutor. Writing, debating, and mock trial = My favorites.
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Kim’s Answer
Well, I am not a prosecutor, but, I have conferred with prosecutors several times. That's because I was a police officer. The prosecutor meets with the police officers and investigators prior to the case going to trial. Somewhere around 99% of all criminal cases are settled out of court. This is a scary statistic, as innocent people are taking plea bargains rather than taking their chances at trial or because they can't afford to pay an attorney to take the case to trial. (nobody wants to be represented by a public defender)
Anyway, whenever we were through meeting with the prosecutor, he would write us a note so we could get paid overtime for attending court.
If the case went to trial, the prosecutor would review all the evidence in the case. He would make sure it was present in the courtroom for the trial. He would review all the witnesses needed for the case, and cause subpoenas to be issued summoning them to court. If the witnesses needed transportation to get to court, he might arrange that. If it was a high profile case, he might arrange for police protection for the witnesses.
A prosecutor meets or confers with defense counsel at various times to discuss plea bargains.
A prosecutor also has administrative tasks. He keeps his files organized, responds to phone calls and emails, and attends department meetings and training sessions.
Somewhere along the way, many attorneys find time for some form of exercise, sometimes over lunch.
Anyway, whenever we were through meeting with the prosecutor, he would write us a note so we could get paid overtime for attending court.
If the case went to trial, the prosecutor would review all the evidence in the case. He would make sure it was present in the courtroom for the trial. He would review all the witnesses needed for the case, and cause subpoenas to be issued summoning them to court. If the witnesses needed transportation to get to court, he might arrange that. If it was a high profile case, he might arrange for police protection for the witnesses.
A prosecutor meets or confers with defense counsel at various times to discuss plea bargains.
A prosecutor also has administrative tasks. He keeps his files organized, responds to phone calls and emails, and attends department meetings and training sessions.
Somewhere along the way, many attorneys find time for some form of exercise, sometimes over lunch.
Thank you so much for taking your time and giving me such a clear and straightforward answer! It's definitely been helpful!
Tahsin
Updated
Atul’s Answer
Whether you want to become a criminal prosecutor or any other profession lawyer - first you need to score well in your LSAT which is not easy.
Assuming you get a respectable score and have finished your undergraduate degree, you apply to law school either a state univ(it will be cheaper) or go to Harvard or Yale or Georgetown to earn your law degree.
While you are in the law school - volunteer for the non-profit organization like EFJ or similar.
Once you finish the law degree and assuming you specialize in criminal justice, based on where you want to live, apply for a city or state govt.
Good luck.
Assuming you get a respectable score and have finished your undergraduate degree, you apply to law school either a state univ(it will be cheaper) or go to Harvard or Yale or Georgetown to earn your law degree.
While you are in the law school - volunteer for the non-profit organization like EFJ or similar.
Once you finish the law degree and assuming you specialize in criminal justice, based on where you want to live, apply for a city or state govt.
Good luck.
Thank you!
Tahsin