Paralegal

A Paralegal is an administrative person who works under the supervision of an Attorney.

Job Responsibilities:

Legal research, legal writing, preparation of exhibits, case management and basic secretarial duties.

Degrees offered:

Associate, Bachelors and Graduate

Things to consider:

-Salary is around 46,000 a year.

- In almost all states a paralegal has to also become a notary public and this requires specific training and also pass federal back ground checks and submit to fingerprint testing.

                Criminal Justice

Criminal justice referees to the detailed system of practices, and organizations, used by a variety of agencies to maintain social control and order. It also helps with crime control, and enforcing the laws.

There are a variety of specialties that falls under this program. I have listed a few of the most popular choice.

Some job responsibilities:

-carrying out complex crime scene investigations.

- evaluation of the scenes such as home invasions, sexual assaults, burglaries and other property crimes, homicides, and armed robberies.

-write up and organize detailed reports on the activities being carried out at the scene and the observations made. T

-testify in court in regards to their findings and the processing methods that were used at the scene.

Things to consider;

- Some work a regular 40-hour work Monday through Friday. However you are usually required to work on call which can mean late nights, weekends and holidays.

-You are in frequent contact with dead bodies or abuse victims.

-The job is physically demanding so it is important that you are in good physical condition.

Degrees Offed:

Certifications, Associate, Bachelors and graduate.

Probation Officer:

Probation and parole officers oversee those who are on parole and probation. Their main goal is to keep up with their clients so that can help insure the safety of the public.

Some of the Job responsibilities:

-writing pre-sentence reports for judges.

- Give testimonies at pretrial and parole board hearings to assist in the clarification of these reports.

-investigate infringements of court-ordered sentences.
-They work alongside social service to help their clients receive needed education, counseling, jobs, and housing.

Work Environment:

courts house, offices, jails and prisons. The often will visit their clients at their homes and work places.

Degrees Offered:
Associate or bachelors degree.

Things to Consider:

-The federal level requires officers to complete a minimum of two years of field work.

-Salary varies based on working for the state or local governments. Usual salary starts about 26,000.

-Usually work a 40 hours wee but overtime might be needed to meet court-ordered deadlines and to perform client investigations

Forensic Science:

Some of job responsibilities:
-write reports,
-preserve evidence
-testify in court
-discuss evidence collection with attorneys and law enforcement personnel.

Degree

A Bachelors and Associate degrees available.

Things to consider:

-You should be a very organized person.
-Involves the use of very small equipment, so you should have good eye site and hand eye coordination
-salaries between $35,000 and $50,000.