In criminal justice, few things are as devastating as a wrongful conviction. Not only does it result in the unjust incarceration of an innocent person, but it also undermines the public's faith in the legal system. Wrongful convictions ruin the lives of the innocent and leave the true perpetrators free to commit further crimes. Like many other cities, Seattle has had its share of wrongful convictions. However, there are ways to prevent such miscarriages of justice. 

The best way to prevent a wrongful conviction is to fight back aggressively by hiring an experienced criminal defense lawyer when you are arrested and charged with a crime. Don’t speak to the police or answer the prosecutor’s questions without having your attorney present. Your attorney can investigate your case and help prevent a wrongful conviction. 

Without a criminal defense attorney on your side, you could get wrongfully convicted of a crime you did not commit. Your attorney will ensure that DNA evidence and police procedures are carried out properly. They’ll also poke holes in any eyewitness identification and expose potential biases that could lead to a wrongful conviction. 

The Role of DNA Evidence

In recent years, DNA evidence has helped prevent numerous wrongful convictions. DNA technology can prove innocence or guilt, and its application has already led to the exoneration of numerous wrongfully convicted individuals. It has even resulted in solving decades-old cold cases.

Using DNA evidence and technology, Seattle law enforcement agencies can eliminate suspects and prevent wrongful convictions. Seattle law enforcement agencies work with independent forensic labs to ensure that DNA is analyzed and handled properly during the criminal investigation. 

Eyewitness Identification Reforms

Research has shown that eyewitness testimony can be unreliable and can result in innocent people being sent to prison. 

Seattle now uses double-blind lineups to address this issue, where neither the witness nor the administrator knows the suspect. Additionally, law enforcement agencies in Seattle have started using sequential photo arrays instead of simultaneous ones, reducing the likelihood of witnesses making incorrect identifications.

Building a Defense to Prevent Wrongful Convictions

A robust and effective defense is critical in preventing wrongful convictions. A strong defense attorney challenges the prosecution's evidence, questions witnesses, and provides an alternative narrative if necessary. This adversarial process helps ensure the court gets a complete and unbiased view of the case, reducing the chances of a wrongful conviction.

Seattle also has a strong public defender system to provide legal representation for individuals who cannot afford private attorneys. This ensures all defendants can access competent legal counsel, reducing the risk of wrongful convictions due to inadequate defense.

Police Accountability and Training

Many police officers in Seattle are equipped with body cameras, which record interactions with the public. These recordings serve as valuable evidence and can help prevent false accusations and wrongful convictions.

Seattle has also invested in de-escalation training for its police force, emphasizing non-violent conflict resolution. This approach reduces the likelihood of wrongful convictions stemming from excessive use of force during arrests.

Seattle's police department has worked hard in recent years to build trust and collaboration between law enforcement and the communities they serve. When the community is engaged and trusts the police, it becomes easier to prevent wrongful convictions through cooperation.

Contact Our Seattle Criminal Defense Lawyers

Wrongful convictions occur far too often in Seattle and surrounding communities. If you’re arrested and charged with a crime you didn’t commit, you must take this seriously and contact our law firm immediately. We will go to work quickly to build a solid case that keeps you from being wrongfully convicted of a crime you didn’t commit. 

At Lewis & Laws, we offer aggressive legal assistance after an arrest in Seattle, Bellevue, Everett, and Washington state. Contact us today to explore your legal options. We can help you through this difficult time.