Individuals charged with crimes are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. While prosecutors have the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, there are criminal defenses lawyers raise for their accused clients under the right circumstances. A few common defenses are below.

Available Criminal Law Defenses

1. Mistake of Identity

People accused of crimes often deny their guilt, and defense attorneys find ways to support the denials, such as a mistake of identity. Defense lawyers look for weaknesses in the prosecuting witnesses’ testimony and inconsistencies in the physical evidence. Showing a witness has poor eyesight, hearing, or memory can sway a judge or jury in your favor.

2. Self-Defense

A person accused of violating a criminal law may admit guilt and offer an explanation to justify their actions. Someone charged with battery may acknowledge striking the other person but say they did so in self-defense or in defense of another. This explanation could justify a striking if the force or weapon used were reasonable under the circumstances.

3. Alibi

Criminal defense attorneys present alibi evidence to show their accused clients could not have committed the crimes because they were somewhere else or were incapable of performing the acts alleged. For example, if a person accused of robbing a store in New Jersey can show they were shopping in New York at the time the crime occurred, that would be their alibi.  

A legal professional will determine which criminal defense strategy is most suited to your case. The Law Office of Gregory G. St. John, LLC offers clients more than 40 years of experience as a criminal law defense attorney. Based in Waterbury, CT, attorney St. John provides advice, representation, and mediation services to the New Haven community. Get the help you need now. Call (203) 759-0240, visit his website, or send a message via Facebook to arrange your confidential consultation.