Career Roadmap
Explore 5 career tracks in criminal defense. See salary ranges, requirements, and certifications for every level — adjusted for your California region.
Criminal Defense Attorney
The core legal track in public defense. Attorneys represent indigent clients at every stage of criminal proceedings — from arraignment through trial and sentencing. Advancement leads to supervisory roles with mentoring and policy responsibilities.
Salary ranges are estimates based on California public sector compensation data. Actual salaries vary by county, employer, and individual qualifications. Regional multipliers reflect cost-of-living differences across California.