Do Those Accused Of Atrocious Crimes Deserve A Vigorous Defense?
Why in the world would anyone choose to defend individuals who are charged with vicious and evil crimes? No one argues that a defense is understandable when the charge is non-violent, like maybe shoplifting, credit card fraud, or running a Ponzi scheme. Yes, those crimes are bad and have the potential to hurt innocents, but they’re nowhere close to the kind of evil it takes to be involved in rape, kidnapping, torture, or murder. Why should people charged with those kinds of crimes be entitled to an ardent defense by a criminal defense attorney?
Constitutional Guarantees
The biggest reason every defendant gets a defense attorney is that it is a promise made to every American by the Constitution. A defendant’s rights don’t just disappear because they are despised by the public. We should all be thankful for the fact that defendants are considered innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. It protects all of us. Even when it seems abundantly clear to onlookers that a defendant is guilty, the fact of the matter is that charges are misdirected more often than some people realize. The justice system has a responsibility to protect this and other important principles in order to preserve that system—imperfect as it is.
Goal: A Judicial System that Works for Everyone
To be sure, we want and need a criminal justice system that works for all Americans, not just the wealthy, not just the white, not just the connected. The goals of our system are lofty and sometimes seem unattainable. But those who work within and without the system have a responsibility to try. That means putting aside emotion and the desire for revenge and instead relying on evidence. It means transparency, impartiality, and reliable protocols and procedures. Skipping one step, overlooking one principle– puts cracks in the judicial system. That hurts not just defendants; it hurts all of us.
Would we Prefer Vigilantism?
Sure, plenty of people might love to take an accused rapist out for a tar and feathering. But the chances of getting it wrong increase exponentially when the search for the truth is fueled by anger and vengefulness rather than by sobriety and calm. A trial, a judge, a jury: these are the foundation of the legal system in this country.
When Justice Goes Awry
Despite best efforts, guilty people get away with crimes and innocents are punished every day in this country. The system is fallible. Suggested improvements abound, from eliminating bail programs to addressing addiction issues and putting more funds into reentry services for prisoners who have served their sentences. While some believe mandatory minimum sentences are logical, others argue against taking away judges’ discretionary abilities. Many advocate for the death penalty, while counterarguments against such punishment flourish. But amid all of the debates as to how to improve the criminal justice system, there’s one thing you’ll never hear in the USA: a call to do away with defense attorneys. That’s because fundamental to any beliefs about justice is the idea that everyone, everyone deserves a fair trial. Even those we might view as monsters. Criminal defense attorneys give us a certain level of confidence in a system that might otherwise lack any semblance of balance and objectivity.
Looking for a Strong Defense Attorney?
If you have been charged with a crime and want an experienced and aggressive defense attorney advocating for you, look no further. The La Plata & Waldorf criminal defense lawyers at the Law Office of Hammad S. Matin, P.A. are committed to putting forth a robust defense for our clients, regardless of the charges or circumstances. Contact us for a confidential consultation today.
