The United States judicial system is based on the presumption of innocence. According to The Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania, this principle is defined as the “fundamental principle of the American justice system that every individual is innocent of a crime until proven guilty in a court of law.”
Most defendants have legal representation from a criminal defense attorney to ensure their rights are protected and that they receive fair treatment throughout the criminal justice process. This includes upholding their presumption of innocence and working to prevent a conviction.
It is crucial to have a Philadelphia criminal defense lawyer on your side as soon as possible after facing criminal allegations. Get in touch with a criminal defense law firm immediately after your arrest or charges.
What Is the Role of My Criminal Defense Attorney?
When it comes to the role of your criminal defense lawyer, their aim will be to ensure you remain innocent in the eyes of the law. Call them as soon as possible after your arrest and let them protect your rights going forward. This will include ensuring everyone involved in the legal process presumes you are innocent and treats your case in this way.
They can also work with you to mitigate the issues your accusation, arrest, and charges have on your daily life. This can be especially important for those who are falsely accused of crimes that come with intense public scrutiny, such as sexual assault, sexual misconduct, and statutory rape.
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Understanding the Meaning of Innocent Until Proven Guilty
When someone says a defendant is “innocent until proven guilty,” they put the burden of proof on the prosecutors in the case. The prosecution must every element of each of the crimes charged beyond a reasonable doubt. This is the standard prosecutors must meet to show the defendant is guilty.
Even when allegations occur, arrests are made, and charges are filed, the accused party remains innocent. In fact, the defendant is presumed guilty until the jury hears the whole case and is ready to deliberate.
The prosecution meets the burden of production and persuasion to prove the defendant guilty. If there is any reasonable doubt, the Judge or jury hearing the case must allow it to benefit the accused party and find them not guilty.
The purpose of “innocent until proven guilty” is to keep the burden of proof on the government. That is because the prosecution has the benefit of law enforcement and government resources and who seeks to take away the defendant’s freedom. It is central to the integrity of the criminal justice system and helps to ensure only guilty parties are convicted.
What Are the Rights of Defendants Accused of Serious Crimes?
In addition to being innocent until proven guilty, defendants in criminal cases have several rights that help ensure they are only convicted if they committed the crime. This includes:
General Rights
Criminal defendants accused and charged with an offense, regardless of its severity, have legal rights. These rights ensure fair treatment. They include:
- The right to due process under the law
- The right to a fair trial
- The right to a criminal defense attorney
- The right to confront witnesses
- The right to remain silent
- The right to be free from illegal searches and seizure
- The right to equal treatment under the law
If any of these rights are violated during this process or leading up to the arrest, the defendant’s attorney can take action to protect their client and shield them from any related concerns.
For example, if police officers discover drugs during an illegal search, your lawyer may seek to have the evidence excluded from the court proceedings. This could cause prosecutors to drop the drug possession case against you.
An Impartial Jury
Defendants in criminal cases have the right to go before an impartial jury of their peers. As part of the instructions to the jury in a criminal case, the jurors are told that the accused party is innocent until proven guilty. They are instructed about the burden of proof and told not to form opinions about the case until they have heard all the evidence.
To Present Their Own Evidence
A strong criminal defense strategy will counter the prosecution’s evidence with their own evidence, present their own witnesses, and cross-examine the prosecution’s witnesses. Defendants have a right to present a strong defense at trial, fighting to show why the prosecution’s accusations are not true.
Sometimes, this is an affirmative defense. The evidence could show the defendant’s alibi, their good character, or their clear criminal history to raise doubts in the jurors’ minds.
To Testify in Their Own Case
Just like the defendant in a criminal case has a right to remain silent throughout investigation and trial (and should do so without the advice and presence of a lawyer), the defendant has the right to testify in their own case whether their lawyer recommends doing so.
While the decision always belongs to the defendant, the defendant should communicate what their testimony would be and the pros and cons of testifying well before trial. The testimony could significantly change the trial strategy and the preparation for testimony should not be last minute.
To Appeal a Conviction
If the defendant is found guilty, they have the right to appeal the conviction. The appeal process is not possible just because the defendant disagrees with the verdict. Instead, the appeal must stem from legal errors during the criminal trial or plea.
If this happens to you, your attorney will provide you with the legal advice and guidance you need to decide if you want to exercise your right to appeal the conviction.
What Is the Judge’s Role in the Presumed Innocence of a Defendant?
The Judge overseeing a criminal case plays a central role in ensuring the defendant in the case remains “innocent until proven guilty.”
The Judge must ensure that the burden remains on the prosecution, that the jury understands the standard of proof and the presumption of innocence, that the jury selected can be fair and impartial, and that the defendant has competent representation.
The Judge may rule on pretrial motions to exclude evidence obtained illegally or if the defendant’s rights were violated. This could be key in winning the case.
In addition, the Judge is the person who will provide instructions to jurors on how to apply the law. This includes instructing jurors on the presumption of innocence, the burden of proof, and handling the verdict if they have reasonable doubt.
Contact Our Criminal Defense Lawyers to Protect Your Right of Innocence
Call the Law Offices of M.J. Snyder, LLC, for a free consultation if you face allegations or arrest for a criminal act in Pennsylvania. We can review your case and explain how our firm can provide the legal protection you need.
Contact us today to discuss your defense and protect your rights.
