When you’re facing criminal charges in Mississippi, one of your first decisions will be whether to hire a defense lawyer. But there’s a lot of misinformation out there about what defense attorneys actually do—and not all of it comes from TV and movie courtroom dramas.
Many people underestimate the value of skilled legal representation, thinking they can handle things on their own or that all lawyers are interchangeable. Here are three of the most common misconceptions about criminal defense lawyers and the truth behind them.
Misconception #1: “Defense Lawyers Only Help Guilty People”
This is one of the most persistent myths about criminal defense attorneys. Some people believe that hiring a lawyer implies guilt—or that defense lawyers spend their careers “getting bad people off.” Frankly, it's just not true.
The reality is far different. The role of a defense lawyer is not about helping “bad” people escape accountability. It’s about:
Protecting constitutional rights (like the right to a fair trial)
Holding the government to its burden of proof
Ensuring the accused is treated fairly at every stage of the process
Does that mean defense lawyers sometimes represent people who actually committed the crime they are charged with? Of course. And we do so vigorously and with pride. Our entire system of justice - and frankly your freedom and ours - depends on it. Even innocent people can—and do—get charged with crimes they didn’t commit. Without a defense lawyer, they’re left to navigate a system designed to convict.
In Mississippi, we’ve seen clients falsely accused because of mistaken identity, faulty eyewitness testimony, or unreliable forensic evidence. A good defense attorney can expose these flaws and protect the innocent from wrongful convictions. And fighting along the way for folks who actually committed the crime is fighting to protect each and every one of us. For if the justice system can easily convict the guilty, it can easily convict the innocent. And those of us here at the Eichelberger Law Firm are adamant about that never becoming the case here in the United States of America.
Misconception #2: “If I Have a Good Case, I Don’t Need a Lawyer”
Some defendants believe that if they’re innocent, or if the evidence against them is weak, they don’t need a skilled defense lawyer. They assume the truth will come out on its own.
Unfortunately, that’s not how the system works. Prosecutors don’t drop charges just because the defendant says they’re innocent. They rely on evidence—and sometimes that evidence is flawed, misinterpreted, or incomplete.
A defense lawyer’s job is to:
Challenge improper evidence (like illegal searches or coerced confessions)
Present alternative explanations for the state’s evidence
Advocate for dismissal or reduced charges when appropriate
Even in seemingly “clear-cut” cases, an experienced lawyer can spot procedural mistakes or constitutional violations that could make the difference between conviction and acquittal.
Misconception #3: “It’s Better to Save My Money and Hire a Lawyer for an Appeal”
Another dangerous thought process is that trial counsel doesn’t matter as much because you can always hire a stronger lawyer later for an appeal.
Unfortunately, appeals aren’t second chances. An appeal isn’t a new trial—it’s a limited review of what happened in the courtroom. If legal mistakes weren’t properly preserved during the trial—through timely objections, motions, or legal arguments—there may be nothing for an appellate court to review.
This means that your choice of trial lawyer may be the most important decision you will ever make. An experienced trial attorney knows how to protect your rights at every step and build a record that can withstand scrutiny. Waiting until after a conviction to “get serious” about your defense can be a costly mistake.
The trial is not a warm-up for appeal—it’s the main event.
The Bottom Line: A Good Lawyer Levels the Playing Field
Mississippi prosecutors are experienced, well-resourced, and backed by law enforcement. Facing them without an attorney—or with one who lacks trial experience—is like stepping into a heavyweight fight unprepared.
Hiring a defense lawyer doesn’t mean you’re guilty—it means you value your freedom, your rights, and your future.
Call to Action
At Eichelberger Law Firm, we provide strong, compassionate defense for clients across Mississippi. If you’re facing charges—or if you have questions about your rights—call us today at 601-202-9981 for a confidential consultation.