By Collin County Criminal Defense Lawyer Jeremy Rosenthal
(972) 369-0577
Too often I find lawyers are afraid of the truth. They are afraid something their client has done looks bad. Even worse, they are afraid to investigate a case because they’re worried about what they’ll uncover.
The more I practice law what I really find is the truth works and the truth makes sense.
The more difficult the charge then the more likely it is there is a back-story which puts things into better context.
Is it more likely someone is a rotten apple and likes breaking children’s bones for fun or… is it more likely the police are worried about such villainy and are less focused on the truth than the suspect?
Is it more likely someone is trying to build a drug empire in suburban Dallas schools on their own… or is it more likely they are addicted themselves?
Is it more likely a shoplifter just enjoys getting free things at someone else’s expense… or that there is mental illness which makes every-day decisions much more difficult?
Unfortunately many lawyers would see cases like these and run for cover. Rather than search for the whole truth they beg for mercy for their clients. Don’t get me wrong — I am sure there are cases where this is appropriate.
The truth normally makes sense and is understandable by judges, jurors and prosecutors. I cringe when I hear news stories or even other lawyers talk about extreme cases as if the person accused is so dumb and we are all so smart. I cringe because this isn’t reality. Every person and every case is entirely unique. If we can’t see it then aren’t we the ones being dumb?
*Jeremy Rosenthal is Board Certified in Criminal Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization and licensed by the Supreme Court of Texas. Nothing in this article should be considered legal advice. For legal advice about any situation you could contact a lawyer directly.