Hiring a criminal defense lawyer who used to work for the prosecution provides significant advantages to people who have been charged with a crime. By working in positions such as assistant district attorney and chief prosecutor in a specific division, they acquire valuable trial experience and have many chances to hone their skills. They see first-hand how a judge and jury tend to evaluate situations and learn which kinds of individuals should be beneficial for the defense. That’s important when jury selection takes place. They learn how the law enforcement team as a whole builds a case and the methods used by prosecuting attorneys to undermine reasonable doubt and persuade judges and juries of a person’s guilt.
Many people wonder why a legal professional who used to work as a prosecutor makes the switch to providing defense counsel. There are varying reasons for this decision, and each attorney has his or her own. Some, for example, worry about innocent people being found guilty and sentenced to prison. An increasing number of old cases have been re-examined in light of new forensic technology, with many instances of innocent individuals being set free after years of incarceration.
But what about suspects who actually are guilty and are allowed to maintain their freedom after a jury finds them not guilty because of reasonable doubt? A defense lawyer believes in each citizen’s right to skilled legal representation, as set forth in the U.S. Constitution. The legal system starts to break down when this stipulation is not upheld. In law school, students are required to argue on both sides of cases. This way, they learn to become as detached as possible during their professional work.
An organization such as Houston criminal firm Vinas & Graham offers legal service from two former chief felony prosecutors with the district attorney’s office. Both Joe Vinas and Spence Graham are ready to provide experienced, skilled legal defense for individuals charged with offenses ranging from driving while intoxicated to assault and murder. They provide all the advantages of their years with the prosecution and their knowledge of both sides of the legal system.
