It is the job of every criminal defense lawyer to defend their clients to the best of their ability, regardless of guilt or innocence. Having a defense lawyer is your constitutional right, and your lawyer is ethically bound to provide the best defense possible given your specific circumstances. 

Yet that isn’t the only reason why we can and do ethically take on clients that we suspect of guilt.

Proving innocence is not our job.

It’s the prosecutor’s job to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

It is our job to undermine the prosecutor’s case, and to reveal any holes or inconsistencies that might be present in that case. 

If the prosecutor does not have the evidence to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, then it’s even our job to convince them to drop or dismiss the charges. 

Factual guilt is not the same as legal guilt. 

It’s almost impossible to know the truth of what really happened in many situations—even if you walk right up to us and tell us you committed the crime. You could be lying to protect someone else. The number of wrongful convictions obtained through false confessions is another example. 

“Factual” guilt is what really happened, an unknowable truth.

Legal guilt is what the prosecutor can prove. The prosecutor can only secure a conviction if they can prove legal guilt. 

Our job does not require us to lie for you. 

If we know that something is true, then we cannot lie about it. That is an ethical violation. We must find ways to provide zealous representation to ensure your due process without ending up in territory where we might have to lie. 

We do encourage you to be honest with us. Your own lies can surprise us and can create problems in trials or even in negotiations to get your charges dropped, dismissed, or deferred. We need to know what’s going on so that we can defend you to the best of our ability. 

You have a constitutional right to counsel!

This is perhaps the most important reason. We believe in the Constitution. We believe that the system demands competent defense lawyers as well as rigorous prosecutors. 

Your worst day or worst mistake or being falsely accused does not have to define the rest of your life. With help from a competent Houston defense attorney the consequences of your arrest may be mitigated.

If you’re in trouble, don’t delay. Call our offices to schedule a case review today.

See also:

5 Mistakes You Need to Avoid in Your Houston, TX Criminal Case 

How Do Plea Bargains Work in Houston, TX?

How Pretrial Diversion Works in Houston, TX 

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It is the job of every criminal defense lawyer to defend their clients to the best of their ability, regardless of guilt or innocence. Having a defense lawyer is your constitutional right, and your lawyer is ethically bound to provide the best defense possible given your specific circumstances. 

Yet that isn’t the only reason why we can and do ethically take on clients that we suspect of guilt.

Proving innocence is not our job.

It’s the prosecutor’s job to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

It is our job to undermine the prosecutor’s case, and to reveal any holes or inconsistencies that might be present in that case. 

If the prosecutor does not have the evidence to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, then it’s even our job to convince them to drop or dismiss the charges. 

Factual guilt is not the same as legal guilt. 

It’s almost impossible to know the truth of what really happened in many situations—even if you walk right up to us and tell us you committed the crime. You could be lying to protect someone else. The number of wrongful convictions obtained through false confessions is another example. 

“Factual” guilt is what really happened, an unknowable truth.

Legal guilt is what the prosecutor can prove. The prosecutor can only secure a conviction if they can prove legal guilt. 

Our job does not require us to lie for you. 

If we know that something is true, then we cannot lie about it. That is an ethical violation. We must find ways to provide zealous representation to ensure your due process without ending up in territory where we might have to lie. 

We do encourage you to be honest with us. Your own lies can surprise us and can create problems in trials or even in negotiations to get your charges dropped, dismissed, or deferred. We need to know what’s going on so that we can defend you to the best of our ability. 

You have a constitutional right to counsel!

This is perhaps the most important reason. We believe in the Constitution. We believe that the system demands competent defense lawyers as well as rigorous prosecutors. 

Your worst day or worst mistake or being falsely accused does not have to define the rest of your life. With help from a competent Houston defense attorney the consequences of your arrest may be mitigated.

If you’re in trouble, don’t delay. Call our offices to schedule a case review today.

See also:

5 Mistakes You Need to Avoid in Your Houston, TX Criminal Case 

How Do Plea Bargains Work in Houston, TX?

How Pretrial Diversion Works in Houston, TX 

AWARDS & RECOGNITION
TESTIMONIALS

Rated 5/5 based on 52 customer reviews

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Kenny McKee
Kenny McKee
17:11 11 Dec 18
They did a great job getting rid of my parking and speeding tickets. I recommended them to my friends and family. And they've also experienced the same professionalism and great quality service at an affordable price.
Brian Gomez
Brian Gomez
16:50 11 Dec 18
Dustan and his staff create the best team. They know the law, and made me feel like I was involved and understood everything that was going on. Dustan took the time to explain to me and my family what we could expect, and then led the way.
Heidi Etter
Heidi Etter
15:33 11 Dec 18
Dustan and his staff helped handle my divorce proceedings. He was incredibly knowledgeable and on top of everything I needed to do. Everything was handled in a timely and professional manner. I’m very thankful for his expertise in helping me to manage a difficult situation.
Jordan Bradshaw
Jordan Bradshaw
15:31 11 Dec 18
The staff at Greco Neyland helped a friend of mine on a case. Everyone was so nice and friendly! I definitely recommend them to anyone who needs someone knowledgeable who also really cares about their clients.
Justin Washington
Justin Washington
23:12 06 Nov 18
Dunstan and the staff at Greco Neyland are truly professional and very helpful and understanding through the process. I was facing a felony case and Dunstan got it no billed . I definitely recommend this firm if you want a lawyer that’s going to defend and fight for you.
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