Careers in Criminal Justice

Attorneys advise and represent clients in legal matters such as civil and criminal cases. They conduct research, prepare documents, negotiate agreements, and help their clients resolve their issues. Attorneys tend to work in law firms, government agencies, and public interests organizations.

Yearly salary: $144,688 *

Case managers help people through their health, social, and legal needs by walking clients through their options. Their goal is to help patients understand their situation, figure out what steps to take, and the importance of the steps. Case managers work in hospitals, health insurance companies, medical or mental health offices, outpatient clinics, home care, rehabilitation facilities, or doctor’s offices.

Yearly salary: $62,982 *

Correctional officers work in prisons or jails to maintain order and safety in their facilities. Their duties include supervising inmates, enforcing rules, preventing disturbances, and monitoring activities. Correctional officers aid in the transit between jail, courtroom, or prison.

Yearly salary: $54,007 *

Court services officers work to ensure operation of the courts and administration of justice through supporting the court, managing caseloads, and assisting individuals involved in the legal process. They work in courthouses, jails, or probation offices. 

Yearly paragraph: $56,720

Customs agents have a variety of duties that go towards keeping the United States safe and secure, including conducting inspections, enforcing laws, and investigating applications. They work at the ports of entry across the country, including air, land, and sea ports. 

Yearly salary: $113,406 *

Deputy sheriffs are law enforcement officers that work to enforce laws in their county. Their duties include patrolling their jurisdiction, responding to emergency and non-emergency calls, and investigating illegal or suspicious activities. Deputy sheriffs work in the county sheriff’s department, usually in the jurisdiction of the county they are employed in. 

Yearly salary: $70,960 *

Fish and game wardens work as law enforcement officers in the environment as they protect and manage fish, wildlife, and their habitats. Their duties include investigating violations, educating the public, and collecting and analyzing specimens to assess the health of their habitat. Fire and game wardens work in forests, mountains, lakes, wetlands, and other locations across the country.

Yearly salary: $46,990 *

Intelligence analyst work with data collection and analysis to conduct threat assessments for national security or organizational interests. Their tasks include strategic planning, risk management, and information synthesis and reporting. Intelligence analysts work for government agencies such as the Central Intelligence Agency and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, private intelligence agencies, and the military. 

Yearly salary: $82,454 *

Lawyers are tasked with advising and representing clients in legal proceedings. Their duties include interpreting laws, preparing documents, presenting evidence, and attending hearings. Lawyers typically work in law offices. 

Yearly salary: $144,688 *

Pretrial services officers gather information on a defendant to aid judges in their decision on pretrial custody or release. They duties include investigating the defendant’s family ties, employment history, criminal history, financial resources, and health. Pretrial services officers work in federal and state court systems. 

Yearly salary: $84,119 *

Police officers protect the public through maintaining law and order. Their duties include responding to calls, investigating crimes, making arrests, and writing reports. Police officers work for cities, counties, states, and federal agencies. 

Yearly salary: $62,148 *

Private investigators are often hired to collect information about people, legal matters, or businesses. They conduct research and surveillance, interview individuals, and write reports on their findings. Private investigators tend to have their own firms, but work in a variety of locations, such as stores, offices, or in vehicles,  to conduct their research. 

Yearly salary: $55,726 *

Probation officers oversee people on probation. Their duties include assessing risk, providing support, reporting violations, and monitoring probationers’ compliance with their terms of probation. Probation officers work in a variety of places, including correctional institutions, probationers’ homes, schools, workplaces, offices, and courts. 

Yearly salary: $62,965 *

Security officers are tasked with protecting property and personnel. Their duties include patrolling premises, responding to alarms, and deterring criminal activity with their presence. Security officers work in industrial settings, retail stores, and office buildings. 

Yearly salary: $35,678 *

Substance abuse counselors help individuals that are struggling with substance abuse and their behavioral issues. Their duties include assessment and diagnosis of their patients, counseling, and providing education on the nature of addiction to prevent relapse. Substance abuse counselors work in treatment centers, hospitals, correctional facilities, and private practice. 

Yearly paragraph: $54,226 *