• Parlegal Careers by Specialty
• Paralegal Programs by State

How to Become a Criminal Law Paralegal

Because there are no licensing requirements, either education or training is the avenue whereby one can become a paralegal. Most paralegals gain entry into the field by getting an associate degree from a community college that offers a paralegal program. For those who already have a bachelor’s degree, there are post-degree certificates in paralegal studies, which offer more intensive paralegal training and a pathway to a paralegal career. Admission requirements for paralegal programs can vary, with some requiring a bachelor’s degree or related college courses, and some only requiring a high school degree. While not always required, earning a certificate from an accredited program can offer a competitive edge for a good paralegal position.

Criminal Law Paralegal Job Description and Duties

Paralegals conduct most of their work in an office or law library, and are doing more and more work that was traditionally done by attorneys. They do most of this work, however, under the supervision of an attorney, as they are not authorized to practice law. In criminal law, a legal assistant might conduct witness interviews, pursue legal research for a case, prepare documents, or even assist a lawyer in preparing for a trial. They might draft complaints, motions, or briefs in criminal proceedings. Criminal law paralegals need to be familiar with the basic classification of crimes, as well as the legal procedures surrounding search and seizure, arrest, bail, and probation.

In general, the work of paralegals is becoming more specialized just as the practice of law is becoming more specialized, and this trend in law is expected to continue. Additionally, as legal assistants are being delegated more and more work that was traditionally done by lawyers, the extent of their duties can vary tremendously, depending on not only their field of specialty, but also on their employer.

Criminal Law Paralegal Salary and Job Outlook

According to Legal Assistant Today, the average criminal paralegal salary in 2007 was $42,820. However, paralegal salaries can vary greatly depending on region and employer. Paralegal salaries overall increased 3.9% in 2007.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, paralegal job opportunities are projected to grow 22% between the years of 2006 and 2016. This growth is in part due to employers attempting to cut costs and delegate more basic legal work to legal assistants instead of lawyers, and it is also in part due to an expanding population that will need more legal assistance in such fields as eldercare, environmental law, and intellectual property.

Accredited Online Paralegal Programs

= Editor Recommended

Bryant & Stratton College : Bryant & Stratton College Online is accredited by the Commission on Higher Education of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools, one of the six regional accreditation agencies recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education and the Commission on Recognition of Postsecondary Accreditation.

Associate's in Paralegal Studies

Virginia College: Virginia College is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS), which is an accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Associate's in Paralegal Studies

Kaplan University - School of Legal Studies: The Kaplan University School of Legal Studies is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, which is recognized by the NFPA and NALA. In addition to meeting the NFPA and NALA work experience requirements, graduates of the Kaplan University paralegal programs will be eligible to sit for the NFPA-PACE Exam and the NALA CLA Exam. Request no obligation information from these paralegal programs today.

AAS in Paralegal Studies
BS in Paralegal Studies
BS in Legal Studies
Post-Baccalaureate Pathway to Paralegal Certificate
Advanced Start in BS Paralegal Studies

Herzing University Online: Herzing University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association, which is an accrediting body recognized by the US Department of Education. Graduates of the AS in Legal Assisting and Paralegal program are eligible to sit for the Certified Legal Assistant and Certified Paralegal exams administered by the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA).

AS in Legal Assisting and Paralegal
BS in Legal Studies

Colorado Technical University/Stonecliffe College: Stonecliffe College Online offers one of the most up to date and accredited paralegal associate degree programs in the country. Students are educated in document organization systems, handling document production, how to write legal correspondence and other relevant skills necessary for paralegal career preparation. Colorado Technical University paralegal programs are accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. Graduates will be eligible to sit for the NFPA-PACE Exam and the NALA CLA Exam, with the required work experience.

A.S. Paralegal Studies

George Washington University: This program is identical to the on-campus master's program offered at GW, but offered entirely online..

Master of Professional Studies in Paralegal Studies

Minnesota School of Business: Request information from the online paralegal program today.

Associate's in Paralegal
Bachelor's in Paralegal

Everest University Online: The Everest College Online paralegal associate and bachelor degree programs are widely recognized for graduating some of the most qualified and successful paralegals in the country. Everest College, formerly known as Florida Metropolitan University, ranked in the top 100 paralegal schools by www.paralegal100.com. Everest College Online is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools, which with the required work experience, makes graduates eligible to sit for the NFPA-PACE Exam and the NALA CLA Exam.

Paralegal Associate's Degree
Paralegal Bachelor's Degree

Keiser University: E-Campus Online Programs. Accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, which is recognized as a national accrediting agency by the United States Department of Education.

Associate's in Paralegal Studies
Bachelor's in Legal Studies

South University: South University is regionally accredited by the Commission on Colleges, Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS). The University is also a member of the American Association for Paralegal Education (AAfPE)

Associate's in Paralegal Studies
Bachelor's in Legal Studies

Southwest Florida College Online: Request information from the associate's in Paralegal Studies program today.

Associate's in Paralegal Studies

Back to Top