When my husband I decided to start a business, we didn't think about the legal aspects of doing so. We didn't realize that purchasing business insurance, getting building permits and making investments all required some type of legal advice. But after speaking to a close friend, who also happens to own a small business, we contacted a business attorney. Now, we have the legal smarts to make the best decisions for our business, as well as the legal representation in case something happens to our company. I hope that you find my blog helpful and informative for your own business. It's a great resource for finding the legal advice, resources and guidance you need to get your company up and running.
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Criminal Defense: Why Ignorance Does Not Apply
Ronnie Mills
People who get pulled over by a traffic officer often pretend not to know what it is that they did. Pretending ignorance in this instance may get you off with a warning or a lighter fine, but in legal matters, that definitely does not work all the time. In fact, pretending or claiming ignorance in a criminal defense case is never applicable or allowed. Without a criminal defense attorney, you are sure to receive a conviction of guilty. Here is why ignorance does not work in a criminal case and why you cannot use it as your defense.
Your Rights Under Law
When you are arrested and charged with a crime, the police officers read you your "Miranda rights." These rights specifically state that you have the right to an attorney and that you'll be appointed an attorney if you cannot afford one. Waiving your Miranda rights for an attorney excludes you from claiming ignorance in regards to the law and with regards to the charges you are facing. All these things your appointed attorney would deal with and for which you have waived the right under the assumption that you know the law well enough to defend yourself. Subsequently, you cannot say that you did not know something to be illegal, or that your defense is ignorance of the law because you chose to represent yourself, something only someone who knows the law would attempt to do.
Most Laws Broken Are Common Knowledge
Most of the crimes for which people are arrested and charged are common knowledge. Killing, beating, maiming, stealing, destruction of property, etc., are all examples of common crimes that people know are wrong. If the crimes with which you are charged fall into these categories, then you cannot argue that you do not know that they were wrong. Unless you were raised in a sheltered environment and/or taught that your actions in these regards are not crimes, and you can prove it, no judge will dismiss your ignorance of the law.
Criminal Law Is Very Complicated
Criminal law is much more complicated than arguing that you did not do something and why you would not have done the crimes with which you are charged. There are many nuances in criminal law, as well as multiple levels in each offense. Additionally, things you say could be twisted or misunderstood. Miscommunication between you and those in the jury and the judge could go very awry. For that reason, do not attempt to defend yourself, and definitely do not attempt to claim ignorance. Talk to a criminal defense attorney at firms like The Fitzpatrick Law Firm for more information.
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