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.
