Here’s the story about how one reformed gang member took a 5-year plea deal when innocent. As a murder defense lawyer, I’ve seen this happen in the adult criminal justice system far too often not to talk about it. This is not a hypothetical situation for one client of mine, who faced life behind bars for a crime I am convinced he did not commit.

Admitting to a lesser charge of involuntary manslaughter you had no part in. The day before the hearing is to happen, the DA offers you a plea deal that, though not accurately representing justice, gives you a more livable situation than the life behind bars you’d face if found guilty in court. Your entire experience of the criminal justice system to date has been plagued by police corruption and you’re very nervous you’ll spend life in prison for a crime you did not commit. Let’s say you’ve been falsely charged with a murder committed well over a decade beforehand. Whether or not they may be connected to your case in a way they don’t disclose… you know you’re rolling the dice with very high stakes. You worry they won’t see you for who you are today… especially if you have any criminal charges on record or prior gang involvement.

While you may have very strong evidence pointing to your innocence, you never know who the 12 jurors in your trial will be or what their preconceived notions about you are.Įspecially in a small, tight-knit community.

Vindication.īut what if you’re afraid you won’t get that chance? The reality is that you might have every right to be afraid of going to court. Having a surprise witness clear your name and ultimately hearing ‘not guilty’ in court as declared by 12 of your peers is every innocent person’s dream. It’s a ‘My Cousin Vinny’ scenario and it’s a classic movie for a reason. You’ve been charged with a crime you didn’t commit.

Innocent beyond a shadow of a doubt