Why Are People Found Guilty of Crimes They Did Not Commit? 

 Posted on December 26, 2022 in Criminal Law

 Being accused of a felony or misdemeanor you did not commit is a nightmarish scenario for many people. Moreover, being charged or even convicted for such a crime is an even bigger nightmare. While the United States has safeguards in the legal system such as “beyond a reasonable doubt,” unfortunately, people are still found guilty, or sometimes plead guilty, for crimes they did not commit. How could this be? 

There are many reasons why people are found guilty of crimes they did not commit. In this blog, we will delve deeper into some of those reasons. At the outset, if you have been charged with a crime, your best chance for circumventing a wrongful conviction is to hire a highly competent criminal defense attorney who will protect your rights and fight to exonerate you. 

Why Would Someone Plead Guilty to a Crime They Did Not Commit? 

It may sound like lunacy, the idea that someone would ever plead guilty to something they did not do, especially since criminal convictions can devastate one’s life and career. Yet, people plead guilty to crimes they did not commit all the time. A few reasons why innocent people plead guilty to crimes include the following:

• Intense interrogation tactics – Sometimes, law enforcement will try and pry a confession out of someone or interrogate them for hours on end, trying to get the accused to say something incriminating. These tactics can wear someone down quickly and harm one’s psyche. This is why it is imperative to contact a lawyer before you answer questions from the police.

• Fear of a trial – Going to trial poses many risks and may increase the likelihood of a harsher sentence if you are found guilty compared to not going to trial and choosing to take a plea deal. Sometimes, taking a plea deal or pleading guilty up-front will result in a sentence less harsh than a sentence imposed after a trial has concluded. 

Considerations for Going to Trial

If you are heading toward a trial, retaining an attorney, and preparing a vigorous defense is the most important thing you can do to protect yourself from any legal liability. Remember, in the United States; you are innocent until proven guilty. 

Contact an Illinois Criminal Defense Attorney

Contact the skillful Orland Park criminal defense lawyers with Scott F. Anderson, Attorney at Law to give yourself the best chance of obtaining an outcome in your favor. Call 847-253-3400 for a free and complete consultation.

Source:

https://www.forbes.com/sites/walterpavlo/2018/07/31/are-innocent-people-pleading-guilty-a-new-report-says-yes/