2007-04-19 22:39:15 · 8 answers · asked by Anonymous in Politics & Government ➔ Law Enforcement & Police
Lawyers are needed to protect the rights of the accused.
2007-04-19 22:41:48 · answer #1 · answered by FRAGINAL, JTM 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Technically, you don't need a lawyer. A criminal defendant can represent themselves in court. But like eveything else that's complicated, it's worthwhile to have an expert around to handle it.
Even lawyers hire lawyers. There's a saying that goes, "The lawyer who represents himself has a fool for a client."
The concept of "innocent until proven guilty" is a presumption, not a fact. It doesn't mean a defendant is innocent. It merely says that in considering whether someone is guilty, start with the assumption that they are not guilty and let the trial show otherwise. It puts the burden of proof on the prosecutor. If you started with "guilty until proven innocent," then the government could toss you in jail until and unless you proved yourself innocent.
2007-04-19 22:48:28 · answer #2 · answered by Lyndon C 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Lawyers have expertise on the laws and know many loopholes. Their job is to prove a person's innocent!
Also if a person has a lot of money to afford a good lawyer, they could be "proven innocent" on technicality if the lawyer spots one in the system.
It's interesting how violent criminals are able to get a plea bargain and get out of prison after a few years, but someone who had their mother's prescription in the car is thrown in prison for 7 years. All because they couldn't afford a good lawyer.
2007-04-20 02:10:45 · answer #3 · answered by Erica, AKA Stretch 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
To work the system to your benefit and get a felony plead down to a misdemeanor. A GOOD lawyer will be able to do that and is worth their weight in gold because most jobs you can get and keep with a misdemeanor, but NOT a felony charge/conviction.
2007-04-20 02:21:51 · answer #4 · answered by bottleblondemama 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It's all about representation under the laws and the person who has knowledge of the laws that can adequately represent and defend you under the laws...
2007-04-23 09:12:32 · answer #5 · answered by no one here gets out alive 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i forget which judge said this first but it is so very true.
" A man who represents himself in a court of law, has a idiot for a client"
2007-04-20 00:14:14 · answer #6 · answered by clerugger 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
to keep the district atty from proving we are guilty
2007-04-19 22:47:14 · answer #7 · answered by KRIS 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
to keep you innocent
2007-04-21 19:58:55 · answer #8 · answered by luciousgreeneyedlady 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋