In order to convict you of a crime in Texas, the prosecutor must be able to prove you are guilty beyond a reasonable doubt – at least in theory. Sadly, the criminal justice system is not perfect. It is possible for you to receive a wrongful conviction.
In fact, according to the Chicago Tribune, the rate of innocent people receiving criminal convictions in the United States is anywhere between 2 and 10%. This means 46,000 to 230,000 innocent people have criminal records. This could happen to you for any number of reasons.
Police misconduct
Not all police officers are honest. Some are known to fabricate evidence, cut deals for false testimony, intimidate witnesses, coerce confessions and commit perjury.
Prosecutor misconduct
Similarly, prosecutors can act in unjust ways. A prosecutor may play a role in wrongfully convicting you by hiding exculpatory evidence, lying to jurors, encouraging witnesses to lie and using the testimony of unreliable people.
Poor lawyering
Criminal defense is a complex area of law. A lawyer with inadequate experience may not be able to properly challenge the charges you are facing.
False confessions
You may believe that you will never confess to committing a crime of which you are not guilty. But interrogators can be ruthless with their tactics. Many defendants give bogus confessions after long hours of grueling questioning.
Bad science
Not all experts are trustworthy. Wrongful convictions can involve forensic testimony that is unreliable, flawed, fabricated or exaggerated.
This information is for general purposes only and should not be mistaken for legal advice.
