Do you dream of defending people in court? How to Become a Criminal Lawyer starts here. It’s exciting. But it’s hard work too. In India, crime rates are high. Over 6.5 million crimes happened in 2025. That’s from NCRB data. Pending cases top 54 million. That’s a lot. The justice system needs more lawyers.
About 2 million lawyers are registered. But demand grows. Legal services market hits USD 2.64 billion in 2026. It grows at 5.92% yearly. From Mordor Intelligence. Many undertrials wait in jail. 76% of prisoners are undertrials. That’s over 4.39 lakh people. From NCRB 2025. Criminal lawyers help them. They fight for justice. Ready to learn How to Become a Criminal Lawyer? Let’s dive in.
The criminal lawyer career path involves several key stages that build your expertise over time. You start with education right after high school. Then you move to practical training and exams. This path helps you understand laws deeply. Criminal lawyers handle cases like theft, assault, or serious crimes such as murder.
They represent clients in court by gathering evidence and arguing cases. Some work for the government as prosecutors. Others defend the accused to ensure fair trials. The journey requires dedication because laws change often. For example, new criminal codes like the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita came in 2024. You must stay updated. Many begin as assistants in law firms. This gives real-world experience.
Over the years, you can become a senior lawyer or even a judge. Success depends on building a strong reputation. Passion for justice drives this career. It’s rewarding when you help innocent people. But it can be stressful with long hours. If you love challenges, this is for you. Lingaya’s Vidyapeeth offers courses that prepare you well for this path. Their programs focus on practical skills from the start.
After completing 12th in arts, you have great options to enter law. Law courses after 12th arts are designed to build a strong foundation in legal studies. Arts background helps because it includes subjects like history and political science. These subjects teach you about society and governance. You can choose integrated courses that combine law with other fields. This saves time compared to doing a separate bachelor’s degree first. Integrated programs last five years. They cover both general education and law subjects. Simple LLB is three years but requires a prior degree. Starting early with integrated courses is smart. It lets you dive into law sooner.
These courses teach key laws such as the Indian Penal Code and Code of Criminal Procedure. They prepare you for How to Become a Criminal Lawyer. Choose based on your interests. Arts students often excel because they think critically.
To practice as a criminal lawyer, you need the right criminal law qualifications. First, pass Class 12 with at least 50% marks from a recognized board (Lingaya’s Vidyapeeth also requires 50% in 10+2). Then clear entrance exams like CLAT or AILET, complete your law degree, pass the All India Bar Examination (AIBE) to get your license from the Bar Council of India, and gain practical experience through internships. An optional LLM in criminal law helps you specialize further. These steps show you How to Become a Criminal Lawyer.
Criminal lawyers need strong skills required for criminal lawyers to win cases and help clients. These go beyond books and come from practice.
Lingaya’s Vidyapeeth builds these through moot courts and debates. Master them to succeed in How to Become a Criminal Lawyer.
Salaries for criminal lawyers vary based on several factors. Criminal lawyer salary in India starts modest but grows with experience. Location matters too. In big cities like Delhi, earnings are higher due to more cases.
Average salary is around 12 lakhs per year, per Glassdoor data. Factors like court wins and client base affect it. In metros, it’s 20% higher. With 54 million pending cases, demand is strong. Lingaya’s graduates often start higher due to placements. This motivates you in How to Become a Criminal Lawyer.
Working in courts is dynamic and intense. Litigation and court practice careers involve daily advocacy. You prepare for trials by reviewing files. Meet clients to discuss strategies. In court, you present arguments and question witnesses. It’s like a performance under pressure. Challenges include unpredictable judges and tight schedules. But wins bring satisfaction. For example, freeing an innocent person feels great. Many criminal lawyers specialize in litigation. They might focus on defense or prosecution. Start as a junior advocate. Shadow experienced lawyers. Over time, build your own practice. Lingaya’s Vidyapeeth trains you with mock trials. This prepares you for real courtroom life.
This career suits those who thrive on action. It’s a key part of how to become a criminal lawyer.
Criminal law offers roles beyond courts. Criminal justice legal jobs use your degree in different ways. They might be less stressful but equally important.
These jobs pay well, around 5-15 lakhs depending on the role. If court pressure is too much, try these.
Starting your journey is exciting. How to become a Criminal Lawyer begins with action. Complete your 12th exams well. Research courses like BA LLB at Lingaya’s Vidyapeeth. Prepare for entrance tests by studying general knowledge. Apply to colleges early. Once in, focus on studies and extracurriculars. Join legal aid clinics to help real people. Do internships in courts during vacations. Network with lawyers at events. Read about recent laws like the new evidence act. Build a strong resume. Your first step sets the tone. Stay motivated.
Lingaya’s Vidyapeeth stands out for law education. They offer LLB, BA LLB, and BBA LLB programs. The campus is modern with libraries full of legal books. Teachers are experienced lawyers who share practical tips. Moot courts help you practice arguing cases. Placements connect you to top firms. Fees are reasonable, making it accessible. Located in Delhi NCR, you can visit high courts easily. They emphasize criminal law in the curriculum. Workshops on ethics and new laws keep you ahead. Choose Lingaya’s for a solid start in how to become a Criminal lawyer.
Lingaya’s boasts excellent placements. The highest package for law students is 40 lakhs per year. Meet Keshav Bothra from the 2020 BA LLB batch. He joined Khaitan & Co. in Delhi with a starting salary of 14 lakhs. Lingaya’s helped him a lot. Moot courts built his confidence in speaking. Internships arranged by the college gave him hands-on experience. Teachers mentored him on criminal law specialties. He won national debates, boosting his resume. Now, Rahul handles major defense cases. He credits Lingaya’s for his success. This story inspires many in How to Become a Criminal Lawyer.
We’ve explored everything you need to know about how to become a criminal lawyer-from the best courses and must-have skills to salaries, courtroom life, and other criminal justice roles. It’s a challenging yet exciting path that rewards hard work and passion. With over 54 million pending cases in India, skilled lawyers are in high demand.
Also Read
How to Become a Construction Manager
How to Become a Pharmacist
How to Become a Clinical Researcher
How to Become a Corporate Lawyer
