Criminal Defense Lawyers are Like Doctors - NACDL.org/Store

[thomasarmstrong]

The idea is that the defence lawyer is there to make sure that if someone is to be convicted, it is beyond reasonable doubt to prevent false convictions.

[stumboz]

Hiring an attorney saved my life. Was falsely accused of DV and lost my kids, job, my home, and nearly ended myself. My attorney initially thought my story was dubious, but I was able to present him actionable evidence and he represented me fairly and was able to unravel all her lies simply by examining the truth. I have full custody of my kids and our home back now because of his honorable defense.

[robertdonovan]

I am a career law enforcement officer and was a DA for a bit before returning to police work. Best thing i ever heard a defense attorney say to describe his job “my job is to make sure you do your job. And do it lawfully. If my client is guilty and fairly convicted, i sleep just fine”. Its the perfect description of why criminal defense attorneys are important. They exist to protect the integrity of the system. Also, the power of the government is immense and should any one of us find ourselves on the wrong side of a criminal accusation you’ll be glad if you have a good defense attorney to represent you.

[Ikdulo]

The fact that you can save an innocent person from a false accusation is why your job exists. And thank you for it.

[monedau]

The job of a defense lawyer is not to get his client out, its to make sure the state is playing by the rules. If the stay does everything right and your client is still guilty, its not your job to rescue him.

[aheadmiller]

and falsely accused people need you guys

[imuw]

Innocent until proven guilty. What's applied to the lowest applies to me.

[derekmcnulty]

Agreed. It's the offender that does dispicable things. He's still entitled to a vigourous defense. Lets make sure only guilty people go to jail.

[DWinthekeys]

30 years in law enforcement I have always felt that criminal defense attorneys make me do my job better. Sure, there are a few who I don’t have tremendous respect for, but in this country they are critical to our justice system and most are honorable people!

[Bombskwad]

My favorite part is everyone in the comments entirely ignoring his point saying "you help innocent people" HE HELPS PEOPLE. Period.

[iLumberjack]

It's pretty simple. The job of a defense attorney is not to get a client off, it is to make the state prove their case. That's it.

[Dwarficus]

I didn't do prison time because a criminal defense lawyer pushed for the truth. These people are essessial for a just society. You all have my respect and my thanks.

[walterpearlman]

It escapes people that a lawyers job is to see you get fair and equal justice under the law.

It is not ‘to get you acquitted’

[Wanderlust_]

17 years as a cop and I still agree with this...without adequate defense a person does not get a fair shake at a trial and if a mistake was made innocent people go to jail. The justice system does not work if it isn't a system

[boatingexplainedwithcapndr]

Amen this. I used to be one of those people who looked down on defense lawyers- right up until I was falsely accused of a crime…

[JeffreyIsbell]

People always ask, “how can you defend someone you know is guilty?“ I always ask, “Guilty of what, though?” The prosecutor does not work toward the “most appropriate penalty“. They work toward the maximum penalty. Defense provides balance to ensure we have a fair system.

[busterellis]

My only problem with defense attorneys are the ones that dont do all they can for their client. I would hire this guy in a heartbeat.

[popsoldboats]

As someone who was convicted for defending my self I can say be sure your lawyer is competent. Make them do mock trails with you.

[noahpalmer]

Ive heard it explained where as a criminal defence attorney, it’s your job to make the prosecutor prove without any doubt that they are guilty, basically your job to make them do their job really well

[sasquatchhadarock]

Defending an accused's rights is noble and praiseworthy.

Spinning facts and case presentation to help the guilty avoid punishment is corruption that should be despised.

Defend the rights of the accused.