The Top Four Myths About Criminal Trials In The U.S.

justice scale and american flag in a court room
Via Wikimedia Commons
Zain Murdock
August 29, 2022

You're Entitled To A Free Lawyer

Not exactly. It's our constitutional right to have a lawyer represent us, but it's actually up to states to decide who qualifies for a public defender. If you don't, you'll have to shell out your own money for an attorney - or end up in court WITHOUT one.

Any Evidence Can Be Admitted In Court 

Sadly, no. Even if it's life-changing evidence, it can only be admitted if it fulfills requirements in the Rules Of Evidence. There are a LOT and sometimes even the best lawyers get them confused!

Fingerprint Evidence Is 100% Reliable

When police take you in, prints can be smudged, incomplete, and misread by fingerprint examiners. Other forensic evidence, like blood, ballistics, and DNA testing, can also be inaccurate.

Pleading Guilty Means You're "Guilty"

Absolutely not. Between 94% and 97% of all convictions come from plea bargains, NOT trials. Prosecutors strike deals to get you to "confess" in exchange for leniency, like a shorter sentence. It's cheaper - and a fast track straight to prison.

When almost 50% of Black men in the U.S. have been arrested by age 23, and about as many Americans have criminal records as college diplomas - we clearly have a problem. We need to know the truth about what this "justice" system is REALLY like - so we can dismantle it for good.

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