In every criminal trial, the defendant is considered “innocent until proven guilty.” We are lawyers who represent clients accused of Michigan sex crimes. At the Law Offices of Shannon Smith, we don’t believe that “innocent until proven guilty” is a fair way to think about the presumption of innocence. We believe the correct way to say it is “innocent unless proven guilty.”
The word “until” implies that it is going to happen — at some point there will be sufficient evidence to convict the accused. Juries are more than happy to err on the side of caution when the case involves a sex crime. Especially a sex crime against a child. If they are told to think of the defendant as innocent until something changes, it is a subtle way to tell them that at some point they will find the defendant guilty.
With most of the cases we take to trial, we do not believe the prosecution will be able to meet its burden of proof to prove the defendant guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. We have had tremendous success defending sex crimes and helping the jury see that the prosecution’s evidence would never be enough to sustain a conviction.
Sex crimes are cases that require not only a good criminal defense attorney, but one who focuses on sex crimes. Criminal sexual conduct cases invoke strong emotional reactions by juries. They are also cases that can be won with an attorney who knows the scientific research behind false allegations, especially when a child makes the allegations. By helping the jury understand and believe that a false allegation has been made, it is much easier to secure a not guilty verdict and help the jury remember that a criminal defendant is innocent unless proven guilty.
If you or someone you know has been charged with a sex crime in Michigan, call to set up a consultation. Our office has successfully represented numerous clients accused of sex crimes and is happy to discuss your case with you.