Why Do I Need a Lawyer If I'm Innocent
by Gamino Law Offices on 04/04/14- Attorney Carlos Gamino
If you’ve been charged with a crime that you didn’t commit,
it’s easy to assume that the judge will understand your situation and be able
to see through the false charges. Unfortunately, that’s not always the case.
Many innocent people head into the courtroom without a Milwaukee
criminal defense attorney by their sides and leave with a conviction
(or worse – they leave in handcuffs).
Why Do I Need a
Lawyer if I’m Innocent?
It’s not uncommon for people to ask us, “Why do I need a
lawyer if I’m innocent?” The simple answer is that nobody can predict what a
judge will rule in any given case; sometimes the attorney on the other side
doesn’t present all the available evidence or isn’t willing to let the accused
defend themselves.
Hundreds of jail cells all over the country, even some on
death row, are occupied by innocent people. While Wisconsin hasn’t had the
death penalty since 1853, there are serious consequences for many crimes in our
state. Simply put, you don’t want to take any unnecessary risks.
Talking to Your
Lawyer About Your Case
Your lawyer will have the skills to present your case to the
judge, and if applicable, the jury. However, he or she can’t do that if you
don’t provide enough background information. You need to be absolutely honest
with your lawyer so that he or she can protect your rights. When your freedom
is at stake – and in many criminal trials, it is – there’s no room for you to
be embarrassed about any of the details or to leave anything out. Don’t worry;
your attorney is extremely experienced and has probably heard it all before, so
don’t hold back.
While it might seem counterproductive to hire an attorney if you’re innocent (many
people think they’ll look guilty if they hire a lawyer), it’s one of the best
choices you can make. You’ll avoid unnecessary risks and have your side of the
story heard, which can keep you from suffering consequences for something you
didn’t do.
