There’s a frustrating myth out there that “hiring a lawyer makes you look guilty”. Unfortunately, it has deterred many people from seeking the legal protection they are entitled to, often to their detriment. We don’t want you to make that same mistake.
Table of Contents
Tackling the Myth Head-On
You’ve probably heard someone say something to the effect of, “Innocent people don’t hire lawyers”. But that is so ridiculous that you might as well just shrug your shoulders and laugh.
Almost 100 percent of defendants, whether they’re innocent or guilty, end up hiring a lawyer. (Something incredibly smart when you look at cases in light of the number of innocent people who are put behind bars each year. More on that later.)
So when people make the statement that innocent people don’t work with lawyers, there’s no basis to the notion. What they’re saying is, “Why would you be so quick to hire a lawyer, do you have something to hide?” And, again, as we’re going to show in this article, this isn’t a very intelligent take. The sooner you hire an attorney – whether you’re innocent or guilty – the better your outcome will likely be.
“Whenever possible, you should hire a lawyer before an indictment,” attorney Ryan Beasley explains. “In fact, as soon as you know you are under investigation, you should hire an attorney. Before a grand jury hands down an indictment, we might be able to show the government why it should not bring charges.”
So, next time someone or something makes you feel like hiring an attorney is a bad decision, remember that it’s actually in your best interests to do it sooner rather than later.
Why Hiring a Lawyer is Pretty Smart
Source: robertdebry.com
When facing a legal charge, or even the possibility of one, a lawyer is your most important asset. Their primary role is not to prove your guilt or innocence but to ensure that your rights are protected and that you receive fair treatment under the law from the moment you’re approached by law enforcement to the moment your case is decided (and even after).
Here are several reasons why hiring a lawyer as an innocent person is a very smart and prudent decision:
Innocent People are Put in Prison Every Day
Studies estimate that between four and six percent of people who are incarcerated in US prisons each year are actually innocent. If you run the numbers, that means there are approximately 11,500 people currently serving time in jail for something they did not do.
And if there are roughly 195,000 new convictions each year, that means somewhere in the neighborhood of 975 innocent people are locked up every year. So, yes, innocent people do need the best legal representation they can get.
Lawyers Safeguard Rights
One of the fundamental responsibilities of a lawyer is to safeguard your constitutional rights. They ensure that you are treated fairly throughout the legal process, from the initial investigation to the courtroom proceedings. This includes protecting you from unlawful searches and seizures, ensuring you receive due process, and advising you on your rights during police questioning.
Lawyers Understand Complex Legal Procedures
Source: jeffreismanlaw.ca
The legal system is complex and intricate, with numerous rules, regulations, and procedures. Navigating this labyrinth without proper guidance can be daunting and potentially detrimental to your case.
One of the key roles of a lawyer in navigating complex legal procedures is ensuring compliance with deadlines and requirements. Missing a filing deadline or failing to submit the necessary paperwork can have dire consequences for your case, potentially resulting in dismissal or adverse rulings. A lawyer will carefully manage these deadlines, ensuring that all necessary documents are filed correctly and on time.
Lawyers Can Prevent Unintentional Self-Incrimination
In the heat of legal proceedings, it’s easy to inadvertently say or do something that could harm your case. (Yes, this happens to innocent people as much as guilty defendants.)
A lawyer serves as your advocate and advisor, counseling you on what to say and what not to say to avoid self-incrimination. They will also represent you in interactions with law enforcement and prosecutors, ensuring your rights are protected at every turn.
Source: ghctexas.com
Adding it All Up
Contrary to popular belief, hiring a lawyer does not imply guilt – it represents a smart, forward-looking decision. Just as you wouldn’t attempt to perform surgery on yourself or represent yourself in a complex financial matter without expert guidance, navigating the legal system without a lawyer is unwise and potentially disastrous.
The only people who try to look down on your decision to hire a lawyer are the ones who stand to benefit from you not hiring a lawyer. Think about that for a moment. Nothing is incriminating or foolish about “lawyering up.” It’s a proactive step toward proving your innocence.
