When you're faced with criminal charges, deciding upon a defense is among the first and most important decisions your criminal law attorney will make. The possible defense options and legal strategies available can vary widely, depending upon several factors such as the circumstances of your case and the specific charges against you. Ray T. Kennington, Attorney At Law, a skilled lawyer serving Ozark, AL, since 1982, explains a few of the most common elements of a sound criminal law defense.

Because a criminal law attorney must provide reasonable doubt that their client is guilty of the charges against them, they may take one of two different approaches: a negating defense or a positive one. In a negating defense, your attorney will deny that you're guilty of the charges. A positive defense means admitting that the act took place, but that there were extenuating circumstances which might legally excuse the behavior.

When presenting a negative defense, a lawyer may submit an alternative explanation for the state's evidence, establish alibis, or prove the possibility that someone else could have committed the crime. Positive defenses consist of an entirely different set of elements, such as suggesting the lawyer’s client may have been the victim of:

• Coercion Or Duress
• Self-Defense
• Insanity
• Entrapment

Knowing which type of defense to use in which circumstances requires the expertise of a highly experienced attorney with a comprehensive knowledge of criminal law. Establishing a negative defense means fulfilling very strict requirements, which makes selecting the best legal strategy from the beginning even more important.

If you've been charged with a crime, you can depend on Ray T. Kennington, Attorney At Law for the aggressive defense you need to achieve the best possible outcome for your case. Schedule a consultation with an accomplished criminal law attorney today by calling (334) 445-1200, or just visit their website to learn more about their reputation for high-quality service.