How Many People Are Still Inside After a Wrongful Conviction?
It’s hard to know just how many people have been wrongfully convicted across the U.S. over the last few decades. We are a little clearer about the numbers these days mainly because of the use of DNA technology, but the figures that we do know about since this was introduced back in 1989 may still be the tip of the incarceration iceberg.
There have been more than 300 exonerations since that date, of which 20 were wrongful murder convictions. The use of DNA to identify the presence of individuals at a crime scene or eliminate them, either before conviction or after, has certainly improved the degree of certainty over but it hasn’t eliminated altogether the potential for wrongful convictions.
Why do wrongful convictions still occur?
These are the main reasons why some convictions are still plain wrong.
False confessions: it may seem incredible that these still occur, but they do. An arrest can be a very intimidating and lonely affair and some people under questioning break down and confess to ‘crimes’ they have never committed.
Eyewitness misidentification: eyewitnesses are often asked to decide if they can identify a suspect from a line up or from mug shots of those who are known to the police, but it doesn’t always mean they are right.
Incorrect forensics: Most people are familiar with popular TV series like CSI and probably get the impression that forensic examinations are often the deciding factor in a conviction, but just as equally they may be indecisive, or just plain wrong if the material under examination becomes contaminated. Use of informants: Prosecutors often heavily rely on informants and they can be a useful source of information, but it doesn’t mean they are always right.
Quality of the defense attorney: Those who have been arrested and face criminal charges have a right to have an attorney represent them. Many will not have their own criminal defense attorney and may depend on a public defender. While all criminal defense attorneys have many areas of training and experience, the fact is that they are not all equal. Someone who chooses to be defended by Miami criminal defense attorney, Albert Quirantes, may have a better chance of a fair defense than some others.
There is no hard and fast answer to deficiencies in procuring evidence used to convict a suspected felon. Every crime situation is unique. The law states that every one arrested on a charge is presumed to be innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. Prosecutors like to have a conviction! It may be that some people are wrongfully convicted simply because the weight of evidence exonerating them is not sufficient to counterbalance false evidence available such as the examples given above;
Have you been charged with an offense you did not believe you committed?
The sooner you act the better if you have been arrested for something you did not do. Once you have been convicted and locked away behind bars it is much more difficult for you to communicate with those who could find evidence to get you released. Contact Miami criminal defense attorney, Albert Quirantes, at 305-644-1800 as soon as possible.
Albert Quirantes: Your Miami Criminal Defense Lawyer & DUI Lawyer
For over 30 years, Miami criminal defense attorney Albert M. Quirantes has been aggressively and zealously defending the rights of those accused of felony and misdemeanor crimesthroughout South Florida. With his dedicated team, reasonable legal fees, and a well-earned reputation for challenging prosecutors at every turn, he has protected over 8,000 clients during some of the roughest times of their lives.
Increase your knowledge! If you want to know more about how to resolve the problems you face when charged with a criminal offense in Florida, then you can follow Miami Criminal Attorney Albert M. Quirantes on Facebook, Twitter, or Google+.
If you have been arrested and charged with a crime, please call us today at (305) 644-1800 or fill out our online form to arrange for your free, confidential initial consultation.
If you have any questions about this or any other criminal accusation, call Miami Criminal Defense Lawyer Albert Quirantes at: (305) 644-1800 or visit our homepage www.CriminalDefendant.com for a direct link to the office or a text message or a map and directions to our office.
