Do I Need a Criminal Defense Attorney if I Am Innocent?

Have you been falsely accused of committing a crime you did not commit? If so, you may be wondering if it is necessary for you to hire a criminal defense attorney. You may think you don’t need an attorney because you are innocent. Often, people assume that only guilty individuals need the services of a criminal defense lawyer. However, the truth is that even if you are innocent, you still need an attorney. Just because you did not commit the crime does not mean you cannot be convicted. The unfortunate reality is that prisons across America are filled with innocent people. Studies estimate that between 2.3% and 5% of all prisoners in America are innocent. Also, just because you are innocent does not mean you won’t have to deal with the legal complexities associated with criminal charges. If you are facing false criminal charges, the following are some of the main reasons why you should hire an attorney;

Protect Your Legal Rights

You have several rights as a criminal defendant. However, your rights could be violated if you don’t have a criminal defense lawyer by your side. For example, an attorney can help protect your right to be free from unreasonable searches and seizures. If the police violate your rights, an attorney will know what to do to protect you. If, for instance, the police obtain evidence through an illegal search and seizure, your attorney can file a motion to suppress the illegally obtained evidence.

Prevent Self-Incrimination

Without a criminal defense attorney, you may unintentionally say something that could be used against you. A skilled criminal defense lawyer can prevent you from saying things that could be used against you. An attorney can advise you on what to say to law enforcement officers and what not to say.

Provide Emotional Support

Being charged with a crime can be emotionally draining, even if you are innocent. You may be feeling stressed and anxious. Perhaps you are worried that you might be sent to jail. Or maybe you are concerned about what society will say about you and how this will ruin your reputation. A criminal defense attorney can provide emotional support during this tough time. An attorney’s reassurance about possible outcomes and legal aspects can give you the comfort you need.

Negotiate With Prosecutors

Even innocent people need to negotiate with prosecutors for a favorable outcome. Your criminal defense attorney can negotiate with the prosecutor on your behalf to have your charges reduced or dismissed altogether. And because your criminal defense lawyer most likely has a professional relationship with the prosecutor, this makes it easier for them to negotiate favorable terms on your behalf.

Build a Strong Defense Strategy

While you may be innocent, simply saying you are innocent is not enough. You need to present legal defenses that prove your innocence. An attorney can help you build a strong defense strategy.

Contact a London Criminal Defense Attorney

If you’ve been falsely accused of committing a crime you did not commit, contact our London criminal defense attorneys at Cessna & George Law Firm. We can help protect your legal rights, negotiate with the prosecutor, and build a strong defense strategy that can prove your innocence.

Source:

innocenceproject.org/about/#:~:text=We%20will%20never%20know%20for%20sure%2C%20but%20the%20few%20studies%20that%20have%20been%20done%20estimate%20that%20between%202.3%25%20and%205%25%20of%20all%20prisoners%20in%20the%20U.S.%20are%20innocent%20(for%20context%2C%20if%20just%201%25%20of%20all%20prisoners%20are%20innocent%2C%20that%20would%20mean%20that%20more%20than%2020%2C000%20innocent%20people%20are%20in%20prison)