A criminal litigation lawyer is a licensed attorney with specific legal knowledge and experience in criminal litigation. A criminal litigation lawyer may be hired to argue for either side in a criminal case, though many attorneys may choose to specialize in either defense or prosecution. Depending on the type of case and the specific circumstances, a criminal case may be heard in either a local district court or in superior court after a grand jury indictment. The assistance of a qualified criminal litigation lawyer is recommended for anyone involved in a criminal trial due to the complex legal issues involved. While people do have the right to refuse legal counsel and represent themselves in a trial, it is almost never a good idea to do so. Obtaining the services of a criminal litigation lawyer improves a person's chances of a positive outcome.