Being charged with a crime can be terrifying, but it’s important to remember that a charge does not always lead to a conviction. The criminal defense attorney that you choose to represent you will review the details of your case and form an effective defense strategy. The strategy that your attorney uses will depend on the nature of the crime and the evidence that is being used against you. To get a better idea of what to expect, take a look at these common defense strategies used by criminal defense attorneys:
Self-Defense
A self-defense strategy may be appropriate in some cases. For example, if a defendant is facing assault charges, an attorney may be able to prove that the defendant injured the victim in order to protect himself from harm. The defendant cannot be convicted of a crime if it can be proven that his actions were only taken to protect himself.
Consent
Consent strategies are often used in cases involving sex crimes. Defendants that are being accused of forcing the victim to engage in sexual intercourse may be able to prove that the victim consented to the activity. This can be difficult to prove because it often turns into a “he said, she said” argument, but it may be an appropriate strategy for your case.
Alibi
The alibi defense strategy is frequently used by criminal defense attorneys. An alibi defense involves proving that the defendant could not have committed the crime because he was nowhere near the scene when it occurred. For instance, a defendant’s employer may serve as an alibi if he is willing to testify under oath that the defendant was at work when the crime was committed. This is mainly used in property or violent crimes such as burglary, assault, and murder.
Coercion and Duress
A criminal defense attorney can also argue that the defendant was forced to commit the crime against his will. For example, let’s say someone tells a defendant that he must rob a convenient store or else the defendant’s spouse will be hurt. This threat of force against the defendant’s spouse is enough to show that the defendant had no choice but to commit the crime.
These are just some of the many defense strategies that can be used in a criminal case. To discuss an appropriate defense strategy for your case, get in touch with the criminal defense attorneys at Reisch Law Firm today. Schedule a free consultation today by calling 303-291-0555 or filling out this online form.
