How does one deal with a criminal charge? It is quite difficult to handle such an accusation. Whether it is a misdemeanor or a felony charge, things could get out of hand if not dealt with properly. Talk to a criminal defense attorney as soon as you get the chance. He/she can help you understand your rights, outline your duties and responsibilities and take up the task of defending your case.
Planning the defense strategies is of utmost importance. Something to keep in mind is the time to raise a particular defense in front of the judge or jury. This is sure to have a significant impact on the case. Your criminal attorney is the best person to know the right time for bringing a certain defense plan to action.
What are the different defense strategies? Well, the most common strategy is to negate the accusations. In this situation, it is the task of the prosecution to prove beyond reasonable doubt the guilt of the defendant. There are other strategies, also called affirmative defense strategies, in use. The focus is to admit the facts but excuse the conduct on certain grounds.
Here is a list of probable affirmative defense strategies:
Entrapment: This is a strategy used when a government official deceives individual(s) and instigates them to commit a crime. However, this is permissible only in case there is compelling evidence that the individual(s) are prone to commit the crime.
Alibi: Your attorney can help gather evidence to prove that you were at a different location, away from the scene, at the time the crime was committed.
Duress: Any threat of immediate harm can be a significant cause to commit a crime. Legally termed as duress, this requires ample evidence for support.
Insanity: Most US States permit this defense plea. However, if the defendant wants to utilize the strategy, it is best to ask your criminal attorney to accumulate evidence and expert witnesses to prove the defendant's insanity at the time of the crime committed.
Self-defense: If there was a threat to your life, you may have a ground to harm the one causing the threat. However, it is necessary to ensure that the harm you did was commensurate to the harm that was possible from the threatening individual.
There are various other defense strategies like justification, impossibility and so on. It is best to know the state laws before taking any step.
Suppose your crime is within the domain of Illinois criminal laws, you need to know the state specific laws. Contact a Chicago criminal attorney to have a clear idea. Discuss the case with him/her and ask what strategy is best for you. It is imperative to get in touch with a competent legal professional to formulate the right defense strategy and try to get you out of trouble.
Linda Blatt is an expert on criminal defense laws and associated legalities. Known for her writings on topics like Chicago Criminal Attorney etc.
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