When faced with any criminal charge, the basis of your defense can make the difference between freedom and conviction. You need the expert criminal defense attorneys at Combs Waterkotte building your defense strategy to protect your rights and future.
Having awareness of the common defenses available, along with the legal expertise to employ a variety of solid defense strategies, is a decisive advantage. Our defense lawyers have over 40 years of combined experience working cases just like yours and getting successful outcomes.
Building a Strong Defense: Understanding the Charges
The initial step in building a strong defense is fully understanding the charges against you. Criminal charges range from misdemeanors to serious felonies, each carrying its own set of legal definitions, penalties, and possible defenses. Your defense attorney will begin by carefully examining the charges, breaking down the legal language, and explaining what the prosecution must prove to secure a conviction.
Each element of a crime – intent, causation, and harm – must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt by the prosecution. By scrutinizing these elements and identifying weaknesses or gaps in the prosecution’s case, your attorney starts developing a targeted defense strategy.
Building a Strong Defense: Investigating the Case
A thorough investigation by an experienced defense team is the backbone of a strong defense. Your lawyer will work to gather all relevant evidence, which could include witness statements, surveillance footage, forensic reports, and any other materials that can shed light on the facts of the case.
This process often involves:
- Interviewing Witnesses
- Consulting with Experts for Testimonies
- Analyzing Police Reports/Other Documents
Our defense lawyers also conduct their own independent investigations, leaving no stone unturned in your defense and ensuring that every piece of evidence is meticulously examined and evaluated for its potential impact on your defense.
Building a Strong Defense: Challenging the Prosecution’s Evidence
One of the most effective ways to build a strong defense is by challenging the evidence presented by the prosecution. This can involve questioning the credibility of witnesses, highlighting inconsistencies in their testimonies, or disputing the reliability of forensic evidence due to how it was collected, handled, tested, stored, or presented.
As an example, if the prosecution’s case relies on eyewitness testimony, your lawyer might investigate the conditions under which the witness made their observations – like lighting, distance, and the presence of any distractions. Challenging the prosecution’s evidence not only weakens their overall case but also raises doubts in the minds of the judge or jury, which can be crucial in getting a favorable outcome.
Building a Strong Defense: Developing a Legal Strategy
Once the evidence has been thoroughly investigated and analyzed, our criminal defense attorneys will craft a comprehensive legal strategy tailored to your specific case. This defense strategy may involve presenting an alternative narrative, asserting legal defenses, or negotiating with the prosecution for a reduced charge or sentence.
Some common legal defenses our lawyers use, depending on the specific circumstances of your case, include:
- Self-Defense: Arguing that your actions were justified to protect yourself or others from an imminent threat provides the basis for a strong defense strategy.
- Alibi: Demonstrating that you were somewhere else when the crime occurred, supported by credible evidence like witness testimony or surveillance video footage, is a strong defense.
- Lack of Intent: If intent is a crucial element of the crime, we’ll show that you did not have the required intent to commit the offense.
- Constitutional Violations: If your rights were violated during the investigation, arrest, or trial, such as through an unlawful search or seizure, we may move to have the evidence suppressed or the charges dismissed.
Your lawyer’s defense strategy will also consider the potential for plea bargaining. In some cases, negotiating a plea deal with the prosecution may be in your best interest, especially if the evidence against you is strong. However, a skilled defense attorney will always weigh the pros and cons of an agreement, and ensure that any decision you make is in your best interest.
Building a strong defense is a complex and multifaceted process that requires expertise, diligence, and a deep understanding of the law. From the moment charges are filed, the criminal defense legal team at Combs Waterkotte is your strongest ally, working tirelessly to protect your rights and secure the best possible outcome.
