The Essential Role Of Criminal Defense Lawyers In The American Society

If there were anyone more adherent to the phrase “innocent until proven guilty,” then that would be criminal defense lawyers. One of the most intriguing aspects of criminality in America is how much people want justice and to see someone punished regardless of their liability.

Historically, we have witnessed sentences given based on race, gender, and ethnicity rather than on evidence, facts, and culpability. However, this is where criminal defense lawyers step in and ensure their clients are fairly trialed, and they know that the masses often view the accused as guilty until proven innocent—even though it should not be so.

You need impartial legal aid if you or a loved one is charged with a criminal offense in Las Vegas. Contact a Las-Vegas based law firm to start your defense.

Here is why criminal defense lawyers play an essential role in American society.

Understanding How The Legal System Works

It’s easy to accuse someone of committing a crime—and sometimes, law enforcement makes mistakes. However, once you are in the spotlight, you have to understand that the police and prosecutor are not on your side.

The legal system works differently than what is showcased on TV. In criminal proceedings, everything you say or do can and will be used against you. However, any conversation you have with your defense attorney will remain confidential.

How A Criminal Defense Lawyer Can Help You 

A criminal defense lawyer can investigate your case with your best interests in mind, regardless of your gender, race, ethnicity, or the evidence brought against you. Their role is essential in American society because there is no room for prejudice

For example, if you are a man accused of sexual assault, people are more inclined to believe it’s true before looking at the evidence. Yet, if you were a woman accused of sexual assault, you might not be so easily convicted, at least in the minds of the masses. There would be more room for doubt since such cases are rarer.

And this is where criminal defense lawyers shine the best. They are more than the guardians of your constitutional rights—they also fight against prejudices. Through their investigations, lawyers will deduce if the actions of the police in your case were legal and appropriate.

A lawyer will see if there are any weaknesses in the state’s case against you and will also have access to witnesses, learning what they will say and all the evidence that is compiled against you.

With access to all of this information and their knowledge of the law, a lawyer can create a defense strategy that is suited to your case. A lawyer will bring the evidence to you to discuss and review the findings, and they will also explain your legal options, what the risks are, the chances of winning, and if you should take a plea deal.

Your lawyer can request more time to be granted for your case in the hopes of creating a better defense strategy, and they will also ensure that the prosecutor doesn’t suppress evidence. In some instances, evidence wasn’t collected legally since it violated your constitutional rights and can be invalidated. 

In other situations, if a lawyer can’t dismiss the charges against you, then they might be able to make legal arguments to change the charges against you so that you can face lesser punishments and fines or reduce penalties for various mitigating facts in your case.

Why You Should Fight Against Your Charges

Being convicted of a crime in Las Vegas, Nevada, can easily turn your life upside down. You might need to pay fines, face jail time, and suffer even more prejudice due to your criminal record.

This won’t affect just your interpersonal relationships and family but the way the world sees you, and it will also negatively affect your job prospects. What’s more, it may be more difficult for you to secure a business loan or mortgage, which could make moving forward with your life even more difficult.

Additionally, receiving a conviction for one charge may make any future charges against you more severe, as well as punishments. Consider you are convicted on a theft charge and receive another theft-related charge a few years later. In this case, the prosecutor will use your criminal past against you as part of their argument. Having a skilled defense lawyer in the first place can help you avoid that prejudice in the future.