The American criminal justice system assumes that crimes against individuals are crimes against the state. While it enforces strict penalties for the guilty, the innocent and accused may also have to pay the price. A robust defense strategy is the only way they can prove their innocence and escape punishment for a crime they haven’t committed.
Fortunately, the criminal justice system in the country follows the principle that all defendants and suspects are innocent until proven guilty. That means you have all the opportunity to get through if you are on the right side of the law, but your word alone isn’t enough. You need an expert lawyer to represent you in court and establish your side of the story.
The National Registry of Exonerations data shows that 2-10% of the US prison population is falsely convicted. Speaking in numbers, thousands of people are behind bars without a valid reason. It shows the gravity of the situation and the need to think beyond doubts regarding legal fees and the complexities of finding a lawyer for people facing false allegations.
Here are a few good reasons to hire a criminal defense attorney even when you are innocent and accused:
The Prosecution Is a Strong Foe
Every defendant in a criminal trial faces a prosecuting attorney looking to establish their guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. They hardly care whether you are innocent because they want to win the court battle and add another win to their track record. After all, getting a conviction is their job, and they go all the way to achieve the target.
Did you know that at least 190 people in the US have been wrongly convicted and sentenced to death and later exonerated? The statistics are scary as they show how far the prosecution can go to prove the defendant’s fault. They also highlight the significance of finding a good criminal defense attorney right after a false accusation. They can be your first line of defense against a strong foe.
According to The Moorhead Law Group, choosing the right professional to represent your case can be the difference between freedom and a sentence. Defendants must consider factors such as relevant experience, track record, and client reviews to take their pick.
You Need a Voice in the Court
Knowing that you are innocent does not mean that the court will take your word. You need a voice in the court, and a seasoned criminal defense attorney can give it to you. A typical trial involves back-and-forth communication between the prosecution, defense, the jury, and the judge. Communication is more than random conversation because it includes legal terms and technicalities.
Additionally, there are two distinct narratives of events, which have to be established with tangible evidence and witness testimonies. According to Discourse Magazine, innocence is not enough for the accused without good counsel. With an expert speaking for you, there are good chances of proving the truth and getting a clean chit with the right words.
Assessment of Law Enforcement’s Conduct
The law enforcement department has to follow some legal limits when obtaining evidence in criminal cases. For example, they cannot violate the accused’s right to silence and force them to speak during interrogation without the presence of a lawyer. If they break the rules, the case tilts in the defendant’s favor. According to statistics, 31% of murder exonerations are attributed to official misconduct.
An experienced criminal defense lawyer has years of learning to establish the nuances of proper procedure and identify the blind spots and loopholes. Since they know what police officers can legally do while investigating a client, they can hold them accountable for infringement upon the rights of the accused. By highlighting such discrepancies, your lawyer can get you an easy dismissal in court.
The Need to Protect Your Future
The need to protect your future from the stigma of false charges is another valid reason to hire a criminal defense attorney when you are innocent and accused. Unbelievably, proven innocent people have spent more than 23,950 years in American prison to date. Beyond the penalties, wrongful punishment can affect your life even after the release.
You may lose your employment prospects, face social isolation, and carry a criminal record for a lifetime. The worst part is that your family also ends up bearing the brunt of the false charges. A criminal defense lawyer can help you get your case dismissed and save you and your family from the pain of a false criminal conviction.
Wrapping Up
A criminal defense attorney can be your savior when it comes to proving your innocence during a court trial for false accusations. You shouldn’t think twice about the expense and effort because your future and life are worth every dollar. Bring an expert on board and get a clean chit to regain control and get a fresh start.