When Justice Feels Elusive: Lessons from a Difficult Decision
Years ago, I represented a client facing multiple felony charges for unlawful gun possession. The search that uncovered the firearms was unconstitutional. I believed we could win a suppression motion. But the plea offer — no prison time — was too good for my client to risk losing at trial.
He took the deal. He went home. But so did the police officers who had blatantly violated his rights.
That case still haunts me. It reminded me of two truths:
- The client decides. My job is to ensure the decision is informed.
- Risk looks different from each side of the table. For my client, prison was on the line. For me, it was just a motion.
Every lawyer must learn to separate ego from advocacy. Sometimes justice isn’t clean — but the duty to the client always remains clear.