I am guilty. Why do I need a lawyer?

In the United States of America, every person, even those accused of crimes, are presumed innocent. NO ONE is guilty unless and until a judge says you are guilty. Even if you think you are guilty of a crime, you should still consult with a lawyer because you may be wrong. For example, the police or prosecutor may have charged you with a more serious offense than you actually committed. It is also possible that the police violated your rights in obtaining evidence against you. And even in cases where you end up pleading guilty or being found guilty, there are things a lawyer can do to protect your criminal record and minimize your sentence.