Ethics and Your Criminal Defense Attorney
Criminal defense attorneys fight for the Constitutional rights of everyday Americans who’ve been accused of crimes. The law says our clients are innocent until proven guilty, and we have both the obligation and the moral authority to use everything the law allows to advocate for them. It goes without saying that we must absolutely adhere to stringent ethical values in the course of our work in order to preserve clients’ rights, as well as to maintain professional integrity.
Important Values
Some of the critical values we are sworn to uphold include:
- Loyalty to our clients: Our primary function is to fervently represent the interests of our clients. It is essential to maintain confidentiality and respect attorney-client privilege as we go to bat for clients. Additionally, restricting sales of media rights during a case is important, as is refusing contingency fees.
- Integrity: It is essential for criminal defense lawyers to be up front with clients. The court and opposing counsel, too, expect and deserve candid interactions. Misrepresenting the facts or otherwise deceiving anyone involved in the process is inappropriate.
- Respecting the System: There are certain rules and procedures in the legal system that must be understood and adhered to as we strive to promote the fair administration of justice.
- Ethical conduct: It’s essential to avoid conflicts of interest and stay away from illegal actions. That means carefully balancing conflicting demands like preserving clients’ rights while adhering to expectations of truthfulness throughout legal proceedings.
- Objectivity: Criminal defense attorneys are obliged to be impartial. That means we have to disregard personal biases as to innocence or guilt and put forth the most rigorous defense possible.
- Committing to justice: The basic fact is that criminal defense attorneys must be determined to provide a fair trial for clients. Even when public opinion puts stress on the system, due process is essential.
- Staying current: Keeping abreast of new laws and ethical guidelines keeps your criminal defense attorney prepared to address clients’ needs.
Unethical Conduct has Consequences
Ethical behavior is an obligation that is not to be taken lightly. Not only is the pursuit for justice sullied when ethics go to the wayside; the rights of the accused and the faith of the public in the justice system are both tainted. That’s precisely why ethical lapses have the potential for serious consequences, including:
- Suspension or disbarment;
- Losing one’s career;
- Overturned convictions.
Advocating for You
At Lobo Law you can count on principled, professional representation regardless of the nature of the crimes for which you’ve been accused. To discuss your situation, contact our Las Vegas criminal defense lawyers today.
