In the “Land of the Free”, citizens are presumed innocent when accused of a crime. Judges tell juries that the presumption of innocence is “like a robe of righteousness placed upon the shoulders of the defendant, and it remains with him until the state proves his guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.”
“Beyond a reasonable doubt” is the highest standard of proof in US Law. Why then, do we allow the government to jail citizens upon a mere “probable cause” standard?
I have practiced criminal law for more than 20 years. I have had many clients who have either had their charges dismissed or were found not guilty under the “reasonable doubt” standard. Murder charges, rape charges, assault, drugs, DUI, and many others – completely vindicated, expunged from their records. Yet, in the beginning of the process, each and every one of these defendants had their hands bound and they were jailed upon mere allegations – false allegations, in fact.
Each one of these “innocent citizens” had their name slandered. They had their face posted on tabloids, newspapers, television, and the internet. They faced embarrassment and shame in their personal and professional life. They lost jobs. They lost custody of their children. Lost spouses and their homes. Their children were picked on in school due to their very public yet very false arrest. If they were financially fortunate, they had to pay thousands to afford bail and the defense of a competent attorney.
We literally put human beings in cages on mere allegations. The “robe of righteousness” is mere lip service. There is no presumption of innocence. In truth, we are guilty until our lives are ruined and we prove ourselves innocent.
We MUST have reform. If you were falsely accused of a crime, contact Hisker Law Firm, PC at (864) 610-1277 and tell me your story. You can also email me at SteveHisker@gmail.com. Something has to be done.