Do I Need a Criminal Defense Attorney if I'm Innocent?

If you believe you have done nothing wrong, you may be blindsided by an arrest. You may believe you are innocent, whether you are a victim of a negative coincidence or if you were falsely accused. Because of your innocence, you may even believe you do not need a criminal defense attorney. Unfortunately, this is a mistake that many innocent people make that can lead to a conviction.

Just because you are innocent does not mean that an attorney cannot be vital to your claim. For those facing an arrest or criminal case in Philadelphia, the law firm van der Veen, Hartshorn and Levin can be a vital source of support and legal guidance, even if you are innocent. Our team can build a strong defense that shows you are innocent, which can be vital to protecting your future.

Why Would I Be Arrested if I’m Innocent?

Sadly, innocent people are arrested every day for many reasons. In some cases, you may have simply been in the wrong place at the wrong time. In other cases, you may be mistaken for somebody else, or the police may have had probable cause to believe you may have committed the crime. Any of these situations may lead to an unfair arrest.

Worse, just because you are innocent does not mean that your case will be successful. You may have already heard of cases where DNA evidence or statements made years after a conviction exonerate an innocent party. Because of this, even if you know you did not commit a crime, that is not always a guarantee that your case will be a success. Taking extra steps to protect your record can make a difference.

Penalties If You Are Found Guilty

Sadly, you may face severe penalties if you are found guilty by the court. Those penalties can vary significantly depending on whether you are charged with a misdemeanor or felony. However, in either case, you may face a criminal record that can impact your life in any situation where a background check may be needed, such as getting a loan or applying for housing.

In the most serious cases, you may be charged with a felony. These criminal charges can lead to years in prison, as well as fines that may add up to tens of thousands of dollars. When you are in prison for years and cannot work, those fines become a massive financial burden. That makes it more difficult to get back to the life you once led.

While a misdemeanor may not seem as serious, it can also impact the future in devastating ways. A misdemeanor conviction can have penalties of up to one year in a county jail, as well as significant fines. Even lighter penalties, however, should not be faced if you are innocent, so fighting back is vital.

How Can an Attorney Help Me?

Even an innocent person may need legal guidance when accused of a crime. You may not have the legal experience to protect your criminal record from accusations that can haunt you for years. The right attorney can provide the support and help you build the right defense for your case.

Your attorney can provide guidance on your best options for a defense, first. Determining what defenses are right for your case and then identifying strong evidence to support that case is vital. This evidence will depend on the specific defense you are facing.

One of the most important benefits of seeking out a criminal defense attorney is the legal representation you have in court. If you go to court alone, it can be difficult to get the results you want without robust legal experience. Your criminal defense attorney has trial experience they can put to use for your case, protecting you from saying the wrong thing in court and leading to a conviction.

When to Hire an Attorney

Before you face penalties or even an arrest, you may know that you may face criminal charges. However, you may be unsure if you should hire a lawyer now, especially if you are innocent. So when do you hire an attorney?

Often, the best time to hire an attorney is as soon as you are aware that you may be facing criminal charges. Your attorney can help you be proactive in protecting your future. That means preparing a solid defense as soon as possible, which gives you more time to ensure your defenses are airtight.

If you are arrested unexpectedly, hiring an attorney can come while you're being booked or shortly after your release. Your attorney can guide you through the stressful situation and ensure that you have the tools to make this stressful situation as easy as possible. Once your attorney is on your side, you have someone who is ready to protect your innocence and build a strong defense.

Reach Out for a Strong Defense with Our Legal Professionals

Facing legal charges in any situation can be difficult, but it can add an extra layer of strain when you know you're innocent. Being falsely accused of a crime you did not commit can be painful, and it can be difficult to overcome it. Worse, many innocent people are accused, tried, and convicted.

The legal professionals at van der Veen, Hartshorn and Levin are here to work hard to protect you from situations like these. We understand how difficult it can be to face a situation like this, and we are prepared to guide you to the answers you need. Our team has top-tier trial experience and a track record of success that can make a big difference in your case.

If you are in need of a strong defense, especially if you are innocent, you can reach out to a Philadelphia criminal defense attorney to get the support you need in and out of the courtroom. Our team is available for consultations about our services and about your options for a defense. To learn more about our team and what we can offer you, simply reach out by calling or filling out our online contact form.