Do I Need a Lawyer if I Know I am Innocent?
While it is unfathomable, it is possible to find yourself under arrest for a crime you did not commit. As you grapple with the reality of your unfortunate and unfair circumstances, you must focus on your defense.
Even though you know you are innocent, the justice department is overburdened with cases. In your traumatized and distressed state of mind, you could make the situation worse by saying or doing the wrong thing. So you need a qualified, experienced criminal defense lawyer to advise you, represent you, and ensure that your rights are respected.
The criminal trial process is extremely complex and tricky, especially to someone who does not have a legal background or any frame of reference about what to expect. The process usually involves the following steps:
Pre-Trial:
- Pre-trial conferences
- Pleadings
- Motions
- Discovery
- Bail or bond hearings
Trial:
- Selecting the jury
- Presenting evidence
- Cross-examinations and rebuttals
- Closing arguments
- Jury deliberations
- Sentencing
The stakes are very high
The public often hears about inmates who are released from prison because DNA evidence now proves they never committed the crime. But it is too late to restore the precious years they lost due to this injustice.
If you are facing charges for a felony, such as assault, burglary, or murder, the penalties can include prison time, fines, and loss of civil rights. You must take swift action to find a capable lawyer to manage your defense and represent you in the fight of your life.
