By W. Scott Smith, P.C. – Criminal Defense Attorneys

If you or someone you love has ever faced criminal charges, you’ve probably found yourself asking, “Are prosecutors good people?” As criminal defense attorneys, we hear this question often, and we understand where it comes from. When you or a family member is being prosecuted—especially if you believe you or your loved one is innocent—it can feel like the prosecutor is the enemy, determined to take away your freedom or ruin your future.

The truth, however, is more nuanced. The answer is yes: prosecutors are, by and large, good people. But it’s also understandable why that’s hard to see in the middle of a criminal case.

The system is designed to be adversarial.  In an adversarial legal system, the prosecutor is inherently adversarial because their role is to build a case against the defendant and present it to the court, aiming to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

Where the System Fails

Some critics argue that the adversarial system can prioritize winning over truth, and that resource disparities between prosecution and defense can create unfair advantages. It is true, we all want to win.  It is human nature.

Why Prosecutors May Seem Unsympathetic

Prosecutors have a tough job: their role is to enforce the law and seek justice, which sometimes means pursuing convictions in cases where the circumstances are complex, or where the accused is facing significant hardship. In high-profile cases, like the prosecution of Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell, the public often sees prosecutors as relentless or even ruthless—sometimes firing or publicly criticizing those who push for more transparency or leniency. This perception can deepen when prosecutors appear unwilling to consider factors outside of the defendant’s immediate actions.

Tough prosecutors are often those who, intentionally or not, show less empathy for the many outside factors that can contribute to a person ending up in the criminal justice system. As defense attorneys, we see every day that criminal cases are rarely black and white. Many defendants are shaped by circumstances far beyond their control.

Factors That Contribute to Criminal Behavior

To truly understand the people in the criminal justice system—defendants and prosecutors alike—it’s important to look at the bigger picture:

Socioeconomic Factors

• Poverty and Economic Hardship: Many individuals turn to crime out of desperation to meet basic needs. Lack of financial resources can create a sense of hopelessness that increases the risk of criminal involvement. Studies consistently find that unemployment is correlated with higher rates of property and violent crime.
• Lack of Educational Opportunities: When people don’t have access to quality education, their opportunities for personal and economic growth are limited. Underfunded schools, high dropout rates, and a lack of extracurricular activities make kids more vulnerable to crime.

Family Environment

• Unstable or Dysfunctional Family Structures: Children raised in homes with neglect, abuse, or parental criminality face a much higher risk of engaging in crime themselves. Insufficient parental support and monitoring can make it even harder for adolescents to stay on the right path.
• Exposure to Violence: Witnessing violence at home or in the community can normalize aggressive behavior and make criminal activity seem like an acceptable way to solve problems.

Neighborhood and Community Factors

• Neighborhood Disadvantage: People living in neighborhoods with high poverty and unemployment have fewer opportunities and resources, making it harder to resist criminal influences.
• Social Disorganization: Weak social ties and a lack of informal social control can lead to higher crime rates.
• Presence of Gangs or Organized Crime: Especially for young people, gangs can provide a sense of belonging, even as they encourage criminal behavior.
• Lack of Access to Support Systems: Without access to healthcare, mental health services, substance abuse treatment, and positive community programs, many people find themselves trapped in cycles of crime and punishment.

Substance Abuse and Addiction

• The Link Between Drugs, Alcohol, and Crime: Substance use can cloud judgment and increase impulsivity, making criminal behavior more likely. Many people with substance use disorders commit crimes simply to support their addictions.

Why Understanding Matters

As criminal defense attorneys at W. Scott Smith, P.C., we believe that recognizing these contributing factors isn’t about excusing crime—it’s about understanding people. Prosecutors are tasked with upholding the law, but sometimes the system doesn’t leave enough room for compassion or individualized consideration.

This is why the work of criminal defense attorneys is so vital. We fight to make sure our clients’ stories are heard and their circumstances understood. We push back when prosecutors overlook the broader context. And we work to ensure that justice means more than just punishment.

Final Thoughts

So, are prosecutors good people? Most are, and many go into their profession because they genuinely want to serve justice and protect the community. But the system can make it hard for even the best prosecutor to see the full humanity of every defendant. If you or someone you love is facing prosecution, you deserve a defense team who will stand up for your rights and help the court see the whole picture.

If you need help, don’t hesitate to contact us at W. Scott Smith, P.C. We’re here to fight for you, every step of the way.