A criminal case can change the trajectory of your life completely. From being a member of a civilised society to being accused of a criminal activity, things change. And they change fast. Apart from the social stigma, you might lose your job, have trouble finding a new one, have your education disrupted, not be able to rent, and so much more. Your life will be further disrupted due to the regular court appearances. While your finances go haywire due to the legal costs. In fact, the lives of your close ones will be disrupted as well. And all of this happens even before your crime has been proven. What this means is that being accused of a crime is enough to make your life go downhill.