The difference between lawyer's criminal agency and criminal defense lies in

Legal analysis: criminal defense undertakes the defense function, that is, refuting the accusation of the procuratorial organ and proving that the criminal suspect or defendant is innocent or guilty, and criminal responsibility should be reduced or exempted; The duty of the agent is to safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of the client. Criminal defense is applicable to criminal suspects, defendants and defendants in public prosecution cases; Criminal agency is applicable to victims, private prosecutors and incidental civil parties in public prosecution cases.

Legal basis: Article 33 of the Criminal Procedure Law of People's Republic of China (PRC). In addition to exercising the right of defense, criminal suspects and defendants may also entrust one or two people as defenders. The following persons may be entrusted as defenders: (1) lawyers; (2) A person recommended by a people's organization or the unit to which the criminal suspect or defendant belongs; (3) Guardians, relatives and friends of criminal suspects and defendants. A person who has been sentenced to punishment according to law or deprived of or restricted personal freedom shall not act as a defender. A person who has been dismissed from public office or has his lawyer's or notary's practice certificate revoked may not act as a defender, except the guardian or near relative of the criminal suspect or defendant.