Criminal Charges Baffle Even U.S. Senators
Most people have interacted with law enforcement officials, whether at a crowded sports event, after a car accident, or because of a criminal charge of some sort. Unfortunately, most people don't know when such interactions will lead them to legal complications, and so should prompt them to contact an attorney. The good news? If you're unsure whether or not you should consult a lawyer, you're in good company.
Consider the case of Senator Larry Craig (R, ID), who has been in the news lately because of an alleged sexual solicitation in the men's room of a Minnesota airport. Craig signed a guilty plea for the charge of sex solicitation before consulting with an attorney. He later confessed that he should not have pled guilty. He said he was "trying to handle this matter [himself] quickly and expeditiously."
Certainly, Senator Craig's instinct is understandable-the tendency to follow the "less fuss, less muss" theory of handling problems may certainly seem sensible, especially when you don't think your criminal charge is particularly serious. Unfortunately, as the Senator's case has proven, even a seemingly insignificant incident can become anything but.
Since entering his guilty plea, Senator Craig has hired a lawyer. According to Minnesota state law, because Craig did not specifically waive his right to an attorney, his original guilty plea may be invalid-but of course court proceedings will be required to determine its ultimate validity. And, of course, even if he is cleared legally, his political reputation will be forever changed.
So, if a United States Senator, steeped in the political and legal culture of America, mishandles a criminal charge, what is an ordinary citizen expected to do when faced with criminal defense woes? If nothing else, Craig's exploits provide a lesson in legal caution to the average American. According to Forbes.com, the ambiguity surrounding the circumstances of Craig's plea signing may allow for a reversal of his conviction. But, again, would Craig have needed such a reversal had he consulted with an attorney in the first place?
Almost every criminal charge or criminal conviction will cause widespread ramifications in the life of the person charged. Whether or not the entire country knows every detail of the criminal case is irrelevant to someone whose life has been turned on its head after a criminal conviction. Perhaps more than anything else, Senator Craig's legal complications can serve as a cautionary tale to those who are uncertain as to whether or not they should seek legal counsel. Let's face it: if a U.S. senator can't navigate the mazelike U.S. legal system, you shouldn't be expected to, either.