5 TV Myths About Crime To Ignore

There are a lot of myths about crime and the criminal justice system that most people believe are true, but it is only when they actually go through the criminal justice system do they realize that things aren’t always as they appear. 

While many people will watch a television show and imagine being the lawyer, sometimes it is the other side of the aisle that gets skewed quite a bit more. The myths that people believe about crime and the criminal justice system can make for some false hopes and low expectations that don’t really become a reality.

That is why it is so important to work with a top criminal defense lawyer who has experience dealing with your type of case. 

Myth: Everything Wraps Up Quickly

Television shows speed up a lot of the information because they need to fit the story into a 30- or 60-minute time slot. That isn’t how the court system works in real life. Sometimes, evidence can be fast-tracked, depending on the case and the necessity of the information. More often than not, however, it can take weeks, months, and occasionally a year or more, to get all of the necessary information. 

Of course, sometimes the police won’t even file charges for months or years after the crime occurs. Nothing is instantaneous.

Myth: Lawyers Aren’t Good People

Defense lawyers tend to get a bad reputation, but the truth of the matter is that attorneys swear an oath to uphold the law and to behave ethically. Of course, lawyers can lie, but most don’t because lying risks careers and reputations, both with clients and in the eyes of the court. Many lawyers can come across as “tough” or belligerent because sometimes that is what works. You want your lawyer to have strong communication skills and have the ability to convey information in a compelling manner, but you shouldn’t be looking for someone who “looks like the lawyers on TV”. When putting your freedom in the hands of a defense attorney, focus on reputation and local experience above all else.

Myth: A Lawyer Can Always Get More Time In the Middle of A Case

This is another pervasive myth that you may want to ignore – lawyers need to be prepared for everything because when it comes to trial, getting more time isn’t always guaranteed. The simple fact is that the court system is overwhelmed at almost every level and judges cannot call a recess for every surprise or epiphany. 

There are no time-outs in the middle of the day so lawyers can get everything together or find out more about something they missed. They are expected to be prepared from the moment they step into the courtroom. Now, a lawyer can get a continuance before trial, but once it starts, all bets are off. 

Myth: Most Cases End Up Going to Trial

On TV, every case ends up going to trial because it helps to pack the plot and settling out of court doesn’t make for a good, dramatic scene that will win the lead actress an Emmy. However, the reality is that most cases don’t typically end up in front of a jury. Many will only go before a judge and most cases will end up settling through negotiation. With so many cases in the system, most cases must be settled for the system to work. That doesn’t mean you aren’t entitled to trial. The right defense attorney is always ready and willing to try the case because it’s that preparation that guarantees the best result in negotiations. 

Myth: I Can Be My Own Lawyer

Sometimes, people will assume that because they see the case as black and white, they will be able to handle everything on their own. This isn’t the case. While your criminal defense lawyer does create arguments around the facts, those arguments will only hit home when delivered through the proper procedural hurdles and argued in the context of legal precedent and statutory mandates. In many cases, your attorney must also understand crime scene forensics, psychology, technology, physics, and other disciplines.

This isn’t something that anyone can easily do with a Google search or a law book – it requires years of practice. That is why, if you feel that you are going to need a lawyer, it is best to get one as quickly as possible. This will allow plenty of time for your defense attorney to get ready and help you to come to the best possible resolution. If you are in Delaware or Chester County, or in the Pennsylvania areas, contact Benari Law Group today at 610-566-1006 for a consultation.