Even the Innocent are at Risk of Conviction

The American justice system is one of the best in the world; however, it is not perfect. Innocent men and women are charged in court and sometimes convicted, even if they are innocent.

An Example of Injustice in the American Judicial System

In 1984, when only 15 years old, mentally challenged, Anthony Caravella was taken into custody for allegedly stealing a bike. While he was in police custody, two police officers coerced Anthony into confessing to the rape and murder of a 58-year-old woman. Anthony was convicted and sentenced to life in prison, but DNA was later used to reverse his conviction.

In 2001, Caravella’s brother contacted a local newspaper and requested it to investigate Anthony’s predicament. The newspaper found some problems with the case and urged local authorities to re-examine the evidence. Eventually, Anthony’s conviction was overturned by DNA evidence – after 26 years in prison!!

A lawsuit was filed against the police officers that coerced Anthony into confessing, and a civil jury awarded Anthony $7 million.

The DNA used to reverse Anthony’s conviction was linked to another man, Anthony Martinez, to the rape and murder. Martinez was only 17 at the time. He died just two months after being named a “person of interest.”

People are Wrongfully Convicted All the time.

The criminal justice system is far from perfect, even with advanced DNA technology. People get wrongfully convicted all the time or convicted of charges based upon false evidence or allegations. That is why a person facing criminal charges must have the best trial lawyer available. When your freedom is at stake, that is not the time to scrimp on an attorney. If you are facing life or death surgery, you would want the best surgeon available. It is the same idea. Attorney fees should be reasonable and affordable, but a good lawyer will command a commensurate with his experience, reputation, and success in court. You do not want to rely on future science to reverse your conviction like new DNA technology. It is better to build a robust and effective defense the first time.

Don’t Trust Your Future to the Lowest Bidder

There are thousands of attorneys in Michigan. Many lawyers are general practitioners – this means that they practice in many different areas of the law (and specialize in none of them). Many brand new lawyers are trying to establish themselves in the business of practicing law. And countless criminal defense attorneys are known to plead their clients guilty without a fight, so they are not taken seriously by prosecutors and judges. The point is that the choices for a trial attorney are varied in both experience and cost. There is a reason for the cliche “you get what you pay for.” An experienced trial lawyer will protect you, and sometimes the better question is, “how much will it cost NOT to hire an outstanding criminal defense attorney.”

Michigan trial attorneys with a reputation for success

When a person is facing criminal charges or being investigated for a possible crime, their interests must be protected right from the beginning. The trial attorneys of LEWIS & DICKSTEIN, P.L.L.C. often can stop charges from being brought in the first place. We are not afraid to win and have a reputation of respect and results. Our trial lawyers have handled criminal law matters throughout Michigan. Protecting people charged with crimes, or being investigated for crimes, is all we do. Our attorneys are well respected, experienced specialists in defending people against the tremendous power of the government.

Call us today at (248) 263-6800 for a free consultation or complete a Request for Assistance Form. We will contact you promptly and find a way to help you.