Creating a rule of law and having a solid justice system really separated the west from the rest of the world, long before the Industrial Revolution and modernity. Though, no matter how good our system can be at times to outside observers, people who are currently wrapped up in that system and dealing with criminal charges might have a different opinion on things. If you have been charged with criminal activity, the prosecution’s goal is to find you guilty beyond all reasonable doubt and to punish you. Your job, of course, is to maintain your innocence. Though can this be done without a lawyer?

 It’s a question that’s often asked: Does every criminal need a criminal lawyer? The answer is now and will always be a resounding yes, and here are some reasons why, from albertacriminaldefencelawyers.ca.

Reasons That Anyone Charged Needs a Lawyer

The Justice System is Far from Perfect

 Western justice systems stand out as the best in the world for fairness, though they are far from perfect. We read all the time about overzealous prosecutors bending the rule and spirit of the law for vendettas. We see all the time that some innocent people end up incarcerated and spend years behind bars before being released, if they ever are. So it’s vital that you allow a criminal lawyer to take your case on. A lawyer acts as the barrier between you and various flaws in the system that will level you.

Legalese is Highly Complex

 How much do you really understand about the law? Watching a few television shows and being a fan of Court TV doesn’t prepare you when a prosecutor cites some random case law as precedent to shut you down, shut you up, or lock you up. Imagine you only spoke English and were thrown into a Russian court. Would you be able to understand what they’re saying? Once you get into the true complexities of the law, it’s very difficult to understand. Your lawyer, however, can understand and navigate these waters.

A Multi-Layered Situation

 Like an onion, the justice system has many lawyers. There are initial charges, grand jury indictments, pre-trial motions, the actual hearing, potentially more charges to be levied, and so much more with which you have to contend when you’re being criminally prosecuted. Just because you think you have a clear-cut case means nothing. Without the right lawyer fighting for you, the prosecution will run roughshod all over you and leave you with little to no chance to clear your name or mitigate the charges.

Representation Reflects Better

 Let’s just say that there’s a strict, by-the-book judge and prosecutor who are trying to throw that book right at your head in the courtroom. Now, which version of a trial do you think will work out better for you? A person representing themselves who doesn’t know the law and makes a mockery out of the system, or a person who’s quiet, polite and allows their lawyer to speak for them? It’s not hard to figure out why the saying is, “The person who represents himself has a fool for a client.” How you come across in court is a big part of how well you will do.

Working with the System is a Good Thing

 We live in an age where it’s considered cool to buck the system and to rage against the proverbial machine. Though just let those people who think crashing the current system down is cool get in front of a judge without representation and with an enemy in the prosecution. By working with the system, the prosecution is a lot friendlier to the plight of a person charged and will often recommend lesser charges and punishments for offences. This is something that can only be accomplished with adequate legal representation, however.

 To put it simply: Yes, every criminal out there needs a lawyer, primarily, so they do not appear as a “criminal” to a court of law. Having the right defence attorney is the only way to really compete in the justice system. That’s just a fact of life.