What is often a consequence of lacking legal representation?

Lacking legal representation often leads to potential wrongful convictions. Without an attorney, individuals facing criminal charges may not fully understand their rights, the legal process, or the nuances of their specific case. This lack of guidance can result in a failure to challenge evidence effectively, present a robust defense, or negotiate plea deals that could lead to a more favorable outcome. Consequently, defendants may become vulnerable to the prosecution's case, leading to convictions that may not occur if they had skilled legal representation.

The other consequences that could arise from lacking legal representation, like the inability to present evidence, can contribute to this outcome but do not directly capture the broader implication of wrongful convictions as a significant concern in the justice system. Acquittals are less likely without proper defense, but this is not the same as wrongful convictions, which focuses on innocent individuals being convicted. Immediate release from custody is an unrelated issue, as representation does not affect custody status directly but rather the integrity of the legal proceedings.