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.

— Fully Accredited Criminal Justice Degree Programs —

Accredited Online Paralegal Programs

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starKaplan University - School of Legal Studies: The Paralegal Studies Department at Kaplan University, is nationally recognized and offers the top paralegal programs in the country, including one of the leading paralegal associate degree programs. Accredited by The Higher Learning Commission, North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Graduates with work experience are eligible to sit for the NFPA Pace exam.

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AAS in Paralegal Studies
BS in Paralegal Studies
Advanced Start in BS Paralegal Studies
Advanced Start in BS Legal Studies
BS in Legal Studies

starVirginia 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.

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Associate's in Paralegal 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. Accredited by The Higher Learning Commission, North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

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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..

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Master of Professional Studies in Paralegal Studies

Hodges University: Graduates of the Paralegal program are eligible to sit for the Certified Legal Assistant (CLA) exam.

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Associate's in Paralegal
Bachelor's in Legal Studies

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.

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

Minnesota School of Business: Request information from the online paralegal program today. Accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS), an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

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Certificate in Paralegal
Associate's in Paralegal
Bachelor's in Paralegal

Post University: Post University is accredited by the Commission on Institutions of Higher Education (CIHE) of the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC), a national accrediting agency recognized by the United States Board of Education.

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

Westwood College: You can earn an Associate's degree in Paralegal Studies in as little as 20 months. Westwood College is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges of Technology (ACCS).

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Associate's in Paralegal Studies

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