[jrs235]

Are you referring to court appointed public defenders? Oh, they don't work to find a defense for the defendant. They work to ensure the public's interests are defended. We don't want the state to get sloppy. Process and procedure needs to be followed and objections made to protect the public's interest in a fair trial.

[flowerlad]

If the defendant does not want to plead guilty then the attorney cannot plead guilty on behalf of the defendant.

"This morning the Supreme Court overturned a Louisiana inmate’s death sentence because the inmate’s lawyer – hoping to save his client’s life – had told the jury that the inmate was guilty, even though the inmate had expressly objected to that strategy."

See: https://www.scotusblog.com/2018/05/opinion-analysis-court-ru...

If the defense attorney cannot concede guilt -- but knows client is guilty -- what is he supposed to do?

[function_seven]

Defend his client.

It's the government's job to establish the guilt of the accused. It is not the defendant's advocate's job to help out. The actual guilt or innocence of their client is not a concern—legally speaking. Ensuring that they get a fair trial, and are afforded all the process due to them is.

A defense attorney will poke whatever holes they find in the state's evidence, in their theory, and in their conduct. They will work to suppress evidence that was gathered illegally, locate witnesses that can testify on behalf of their client, and argue before the jury that the state has not proven their case beyond the legal standard.

I'm sure it's much easier for lawyers when they themselves are convinced of their client's innocence. But when someone comes to you and pays you to advocate for them in court, that's what you do. Your personal opinion is irrelevant.

[flowerlad]

How can you do that without lying? "My client is not guilty..." is already a lie.

[jrs235]

"My client is innocent until found/proven guilty."

[flowerlad]

You are not going to convince the jury with a statement like that. You have to offer "alternative facts". Tell the jury it may have been someone else that committed the crime (even though you know that's not true.) Tell them your client wasn't present at the crime scene. And so on. Presenting a robust defense for a client you know is not innocent and sticking to the truth are fundamentally incompatible. In real life defense lawyers aren't known for their truth telling. Everyone knows this and expects this. Which is why this article from ABA is simply grandstanding.