Cofer Luster Criminal Defense Lawyers | November 18, 2025 | Criminal Defense
Many people use the terms “criminal lawyer” and “defense attorney” as if they mean the same thing, but they can have different meanings depending on the context. Both work within the criminal law field, yet they serve different purposes based on which side of the case they’re on.
A criminal lawyer is any attorney who handles criminal cases. That includes both prosecutors, who represent the government, and defense attorneys, who represent people accused of crimes. A defense attorney, however, works only for those accused of crimes, protecting their rights and fighting for the best outcome possible as the law permits.
What Does a Criminal Lawyer Do in Texas?
A criminal lawyer practices criminal law, referring to the branch of the law that deals with offenses like domestic violence, drug crimes, and homicide.
In Texas, criminal lawyers can technically work on either side of a case, and the two broadest categories of these attorneys are:
- Prosecutors, who represent the state and try to prove that someone committed a crime
- Defense attorneys, who represent the person accused and challenge the state’s evidence
Prosecutors usually work for the district attorney’s office or the county attorney’s office. They complete tasks like deciding what charges to file, presenting evidence in court, and making recommendations for punishment.
Both sides play key roles in a criminal case, but their goals are very different. Prosecutors work to prove guilt and enforce the law, while defense attorneys work to protect the accused from unfair treatment or a wrongful conviction.
The Role of a Defense Attorney in Texas
A defense attorney represents someone accused of a crime. Their job is to make sure their client’s rights are respected and that the government proves its case beyond a reasonable doubt.
Defense attorneys can be public defenders assigned by the court or private lawyers hired by the defendant, and their main duties include:
- Reviewing police reports and other evidence for mistakes and/or legal violations
- Investigating the case and talking to witnesses
- Negotiating plea deals with prosecutors when it’s in the client’s best interest
- Presenting evidence and arguments in court to support the defense
- Guiding clients through every step of the legal process
In Texas, defense attorneys must understand both state and federal laws, including the Texas Penal Code and Code of Criminal Procedure. Their goal is to ensure that every case is handled fairly and that justice is served, not just for the state, but also for the person accused.
How These Two Roles Work Together
Although they’re on opposite sides of the courtroom, both prosecutors and defense attorneys are vital to the proper functioning of Texas’s criminal justice system.
Prosecutors aim to show that the accused committed a crime, while defense attorneys work to ensure that the case in question is proven fairly and lawfully. This balance helps protect one of the most important principles of the legal system in the United States: that every person is innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Contact the Fort Worth Criminal Defense Attorneys at Cofer Luster Criminal Defense Lawyers for Help Today
If you’ve been charged with a crime in Fort Worth, Texas, Cofer Luster Criminal Defense Lawyers is here to help. No matter whether your case involves a misdemeanor or a felony, our Fort Worth criminal defense lawyers can make a major difference in the ultimate outcome of your case.
Contact us today to schedule an initial consultation and learn more about your best course of action.
We serve the surrounding areas of Tarrant County and Fort Worth, TX.
Cofer Luster Criminal Defense Lawyers
604 E 4th St Ste 101
Fort Worth, TX 76102