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The elements of a criminal defense strategy

On Behalf of | Jul 23, 2020 | Criminal Defense

Individuals who are charged with a crime, generally, have the right to dispute those charges with the help of legal counsel. An attorney will attempt to devise a strategy based on the facts of the case that portrays a defendant in a positive light. In some cases, a defendant may actually admit to committing a crime and, then, attempt to provide context for his or her actions.

Defendants may also present an alibi or other evidence establishing that they couldn’t have committed the crimes that they have been charged with. For instance, it may be possible to claim that a gun used to shoot at a store clerk was reported stolen before the shooting occurred. This could help convince a jury that the defendant should be acquitted despite the fact that this individual’s gun was used to commit a crime.

A defense attorney may question the credibility of a key witness in an effort to create doubt in a juror’s mind. For instance, an attorney may highlight the fact that an eyewitness isn’t completely certain that he or she saw the defendant steal an item or assault another person. Finally, legal representatives may assert that an individual wasn’t informed of his or her rights before being questioned or taken into custody. In some cases, such an assertion may result in evidence against a defendant being suppressed.

A criminal defense attorney may take a variety of actions in an effort to defend a person who is charged with a felony or misdemeanor. For instance, an attorney may coach a defendant who chooses to testify on his or her behalf during a trial. Those who come across as credible and sympathetic may be more likely to obtain an acquittal or gain leverage to negotiate a favorable plea deal.

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