Can a person develop PTSD from the job they do every day? Most people associate post-traumatic stress with soldiers, first responders, or emergency room professionals who regularly encounter crisis situations. But trauma is not limited to those on the front lines. Within the criminal justice system, secondary PTSD is a growing reality for prosecutors, defense attorneys, judges, and others who work closely with victims, defendants, and traumatic events.
Understanding Secondary PTSD
Secondary PTSD—sometimes called vicarious trauma—occurs when a person experiences PTSD-like symptoms after prolonged exposure to the trauma of others. This can happen even though the person was not present for the original traumatic event.
Criminal defense attorney and former prosecutor Christina Williams experienced this firsthand early in her career while prosecuting domestic violence cases. Day after day, she met with victims who had suffered serious abuse at the hands of partners or spouses. Their stories, injuries, and circumstances weighed heavily.
When victims later chose to drop charges, knowing they were returning to dangerous situations, Christina found herself carrying frustration, fear, and emotional exhaustion home from work. “I was always in fight-or-flight mode,” she recalled. Over time, she recognized the pattern as secondary PTSD.
Learning to Compartmentalize
The turning point came when Christina realized that the decisions victims or clients made belonged to them—not to her. As a young lawyer, she began approaching each case “surgically,” reminding herself that:
- She did not cause the situation.
- She could not undo the choices that brought someone into the criminal justice system.
- Her role was to bring skill, experience, and resources to the table so her client received the best defense possible.
That mindset shift followed her into criminal defense work, where the emotional stakes often feel even higher. When a client’s liberty is on the line, and the outcome depends on strategic choices in trial, the pressure can be immense. But learning how to control what is controllable—and release what isn’t—is critical for long-term sustainability in the profession.
Clients Experience Stress Too
It’s not just lawyers and prosecutors who struggle. Clients navigating the criminal justice system can experience their own version of trauma. Facing charges, uncertainty, and fear about the future can trigger chronic stress responses that look similar to PTSD.
Christina’s team focuses on grounding clients through structure and expectations. When someone hires Just Criminal Law, they receive clear guidance on how to move forward: what the firm needs from them, what to expect at each stage, and what they can do today that will improve their outcome tomorrow. The message is consistent: you made the right decision hiring us, trust the process, and stay focused on the future rather than reliving the past.
The Takeaway
PTSD is not limited to battlefield trauma—and the criminal justice system is not immune from its effects. For professionals who work with victims, defendants, and high-stakes cases, recognizing secondary trauma is essential. For clients, having a strong defense team provides stability, direction, and a sense of control during one of the most stressful experiences of their lives.
If you or someone you know is facing criminal charges and doesn’t know what to do next, Just Criminal Law is here to help you take the next step forward.