As a Pennsylvania criminal lawyer, I see people try to handle their own legal issues every day. Today, many people think they can use AI like ChatGPT to solve their legal problems. Technology is great. But relying on AI for a criminal defense case is a huge risk.
Standard search engines like Google are much safer than AI chatbots when you look up facts online. Here is why I never let computer programs make decisions for my clients.
The Hidden Trap of AI-Generated Answers
Why the Chatbot Tells You What You Think You Want to Hear
AI programs are built to be friendly. When you ask an AI chatbot a question, it studies you over time. It looks at your questions and figures out what you like.
Because of this, the AI might change its answers to match your tastes. The computer starts telling you what you want to hear. It does not give you the harsh, honest truth. In a criminal case, a pleasing answer is dangerous. You must know the actual law, even if the truth is tough.
Why Google Search is Often a Safer Bet for You
Keeping Things Fair by Doing the Thinking Yourself
When you use Google, the system does not write a final answer. Instead, Google shows you many different websites.
This forces you to look at different viewpoints. You get to read various opinions and make up your own mind. This reduces the chance of getting a biased answer. But remember that neither AI nor Google can replace a real attorney. You need a lawyer who knows the local courts and your case facts.
When Robots Make Up “Fake” Laws: The Shocking Reality of AI Hallucinations
The Famous Airplane Case That Fooled Real Lawyers
AI does not think like a human. It does not know the difference between facts and fiction. Instead, it predicts the next word in a sentence. This means AI can make up entire court cases and present them as real facts. Scientists call this an AI “hallucination.”
This happened in a famous federal case called Mata v. Avianca. A lawyer used ChatGPT to write his court papers. The AI invented six court cases. It even made up fake judge names and quotes. The lawyers did not check the AI’s work and filed the papers in court. The judge found out and fined the lawyers $5,000. Their careers were deeply damaged.
How a Pennsylvania Court Threw Out a Case Over AI Mistakes
This is not just happening in other states. Right here in Pennsylvania, AI mistakes have caused major legal issues.
In a Pennsylvania state court case called Saber v. Navy Federal Credit Union, a litigant used AI to write court papers. The AI filled the documents with completely made-up legal cases. The PA Superior Court discovered the fake cases and threw them out. More importantly, the court ruled that the litigant lost their right to appeal. By relying on AI, they lost their entire case and their rights.
Strict Rules in Pennsylvania Courtrooms
Pennsylvania Court Officers Insist on Manual Human Review
Because of these massive AI blunders, courts across the state of Pennsylvania are fighting back. The PA and Philadelphia Bar Associations issued a strict rule. It is called Joint Formal Opinion 2024-200.
This guide makes one thing very clear: lawyers have a strict duty to check every single fact and citation by hand. An attorney cannot blame a computer tool for a legal error. If a lawyer submits a document with AI mistakes, they can face severe punishment.
Federal Judges Demand Full AI Disclosure
If your case goes to a federal court in Pennsylvania, the rules are even stricter. For example, Federal Judge Michael M. Baylson, who sits in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, issued a landmark standing order.
Under his rule, if a lawyer uses AI to write papers, they must state it clearly. They must also sign a paper. This paper proves they checked every single citation by hand. Without this paper, the court can throw out their case.
Why a Real Pennsylvania Defense Attorney is Needed
Understanding Local Judges and Pennsylvania Prosecutors
An algorithm on a server does not know how local courtrooms work. Every county in Pennsylvania has its own local rules, court staff, and procedures.
Winning a case is about the human element. You must know the local prosecutors and judges. You must know how local juries think. A computer program cannot stand next to you in court. It cannot protect your rights or fight for your freedom.
If you or a loved one face criminal charges in Pennsylvania, do not risk your future on an algorithm. Contact Attorney Michael Kotik today to get a real, human defense.