Myths of Arrest and Criminal Defense Attorneys
Myths of Arrest and Criminal Defense Attorneys
CANNON & ASSOCIATES is dedicated to Fierce Advocacy for those facing Criminal Prosecution. It is crucial you contact an experienced Oklahoma Criminal Defense Attorney, if you have been arrested for any criminal allegation. This page addresses some of the most common myths those facing criminal charges and their families have about arrest and hiring a criminal defense attorney. Often clients tell me during our first meeting they have already spoken to police and given their side of the story or waited to hire an attorney, because they did not want to appear guilty. More often than not, these actions do more harm than good. The following are myths I see or hear about on a regular basis. Hopefully, you will not make the same mistake so many have before.
MYTH 1: HIRING AN EXPERIENCED CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEY MAKES YOU LOOK GUILTY
Many myths exist concerning being arrested for an alleged crime and hiring a criminal defense attorney. The most common myth about criminal defense attorneys is hiring an experienced criminal defense attorney makes you look guilty. This could not be farther from the truth. Police, prosecutors, and judge assume nothing more than you know your rights and you are exercising them when you hire an experienced criminal defense attorney. You have rights, you should use them. Police/law enforcement will not attempt to coerce a confession out of you or a loved one, if you are represented by counsel.
MYTH 2: ALL CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEYS ARE EQUAL
Another popular myth, all criminal defense attorneys are the same. However, experience, knowledge, and reputation matter with criminal defense attorney just as every other profession. An experienced criminal defense attorney has faced seasoned prosecutors and knows the tactics they will implement in your case. It takes experience to know how to weight the strengths and weaknesses in the prosecutor’s case to advise a client about his/her prospects at trial. Experience never matters more than when your freedom is on the line.
MYTH 3: ANY ATTORNEY CAN DEFENSE A CRIMINAL CASE
Another common myth is any attorney can defend a criminal case. A personal injury lawyer is not capable of handling an antitrust case, just as a civil attorney is not the best choice for your criminal defense. Defending criminal clients in State and Federal court is an art form, which requires experience specific to criminal law.
MYTH 4: CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEYS ARE UNETHICAL
Many view criminal defense attorneys as shady or suspect characters; however, this is another misconception. Criminal defense attorney have the difficult task of balancing client interests with obligations to the justice system. Every profession has good and bad actors, but the majority of criminal defense attorneys are good, hardworking, dedicated attorneys that deeply care about their clients and their families. See what our clients say about our firm.
MYTH 5: I SHOULD TELL MY STORY TO POLICE
When I’m arrested I should tell my “story to the police,” myth. Many people accused of a crime want to immediately clear their name; they are wrong. It is important to present your side of the case; however, it is best to exercise this right with the assistance of experienced criminal defense counsel. Often a client will speak to police and corroborate or confirm some or all aspects of a charge they are facing without even knowing what they have done. Law enforcement can present charges to the prosecution on any crime they have probable cause to believe you or your loved one have committed. You should help your attorney defend your case; not help the police prosecute your case.
MYTH 6: POLICE HAVE TO TELL SUSPECTS THE TRUTH
Many people believe police are required to tell the truth; however, this is a myth. Police are allowed to lie and misrepresent facts during the course of an investigation. In fact, it is one of the most effective investigative techniques used. I would not mention it here, if it rarely occurred. Police have a job to investigate crime, but you are not required to make their job easier. You have the right to remain silent, exercise it.
MYTH 7: PUBLIC DEFENDERS ARE NOT GOOD LAWYERS
Public Defenders are not good lawyers; myth. As a former public defender, I have first-hand knowledge of the fact Public Defenders are often dedicated and highly skilled attorneys that choose to dedicate all or part of their career to public service. Public Defenders work solely in criminal defense and although they have very large dockets, they are often very dedicated to their clients.
CONCLUSION
I hope this page addressed some of the myths you have heard about arrest and criminal defense attorneys in Oklahoma. Experience matters when your freedom or the freedom of a loved one is on the line. It is important to know the attorney you hire is a Fierce Advocate and has experience defending criminal cases. John Cannon, owner of CANNON & ASSOCIATES, PLLC, will personally work along-side you during the entire process, including meeting with you in jail until you are released.
John has been honored by being identified as a Top 40 under 40 in Criminal Defense by the National Trial Lawyers Association. John has the experience you need and will bring it to bear in your case. Additionally, he has an outstanding record of reaching the best possible outcome for hundreds of clients accused of the wide variety of criminal charges, evidenced by receiving the highest possible AVVO rating – 10 (superb). Contact CANNON & ASSOCIATES to protect your freedom and Fight your Case. You may send an email inquiry, complete the contact form on our website, or call at (405) 657-2323.