It is the government's job to prove guilt "beyond a reasonable doubt"—a high burden meant to protect liberty [15]. 2. The Danger of "Telling Your Side"
If a wrongful conviction has already occurred, there are resources available:
If you are falsely accused, your first instinct might be to explain everything to the police. However, experts often advise that you should never attempt to tell your side of the story without an attorney present [7]. Even well-intentioned statements can be misinterpreted or used against you later in court [7].
The Sixth Amendment ensures you have legal counsel to navigate complex proceedings [5].
It is a tragic reality that innocent people sometimes plead guilty [26]. Fierce prosecution or the threat of a much harsher sentence after a trial can lead people to accept plea deals [3]. A criminal defense lawyer can help you understand the full consequences of a plea versus a verdict so you aren't pressured into a life-altering mistake [3].
If a case doesn't involve DNA, the Innocence Network provides a map of organizations that offer broader investigative assistance [21].