I am writing to take issue with certain statements made by the attorney friend of Ilan Stavans that he referenced in his article in Hampshire Life entitled “Why we lie.” In the article, in response to his question about how she can represent someone she knows is guilty, she says, “I lie.”
Unless she was present at the time that her client committed the crime that he is accused of, she doesn’t know that her client is guilty. I have been asked the same question many times during my 40-year career as a criminal defense attorney, and my response has always been the same — I don’t know if the client is guilty, as he or she has told me that they’re innocent. My personal thoughts or feelings don’t enter into the equation. My job is to represent the client’s interests, and not pass judgment — that’s for the jury to decide.
I suggest that Mr. Stavans’ friend practice in another area of the law, as there are many to choose from, and leave criminal defense to those who are more able to do so with a clear conscience.
Andrew M. Klyman
Westhampton