Many people learn about the law and court system from TV shows and movies, which are not reliable sources. As a result, there are a lot of myths about criminal defense attorneys and the work that they do to protect the right of people who have been accused of committing crimes. Here’s the truth behind some of the most common myths:
Myth: The Jury Will Assume A Defendant is Guilty if He Doesn’t Testify
Some defendants are surprised to hear their attorneys advise them against testifying in their criminal case. This is often because they believe that the jury will think they are hiding something if they choose not to testify. But, that’s not true. Every defendant has a constitutional right to choose whether or not he wants to testify. If a defendant decides against testifying, the jury cannot take this decision into account during deliberations.
Myth: Defendants Who Plead Guilty Do Not Need Attorneys
Defendants who have decided to plead guilty often believe that they don’t need to hire a criminal defense attorney since their case will not go to trial. But, a criminal defense attorney does much more than just represent clients during trials. If you are pleading guilty, a criminal defense attorney can negotiate a plea deal with the prosecutor to ensure you are given a reasonable sentence.
Myth: You Can’t Be Convicted Unless There is Forensic Evidence
The crimes that are featured in movies and TV shows are often solved when investigators find fingerprints, DNA, or other types of forensic evidence. It’s true that this type of evidence is used to convict people of crimes. However, it’s not true that a defendant cannot be convicted unless there is forensic evidence that proves he committed the crime. Prosecutors often rely solely on testimony from witnesses and police officers to convict defendants. Therefore, there’s no reason to think that the case against you is weak because there is no forensic evidence.
Myth: The Police Cannot Lie to You
It’s a crime to lie to police officers, but believe it or not, it’s not illegal for them to lie to you. It’s important to understand that police officers may make misleading or false statements in order to get you to confess to a crime. If they happen to get a confession out of you, it cannot be thrown out simply because they lied in order to get it.
If you are facing criminal charges, contact Reisch Law Firm today. Our criminal defense attorneys will guide you through the criminal justice system, protecting your rights every step of the way. Schedule a free consultation today by calling 303-291-0555 or filling out this online form.
