Facing criminal charges in a Missouri court is seldom easy, and it can be downright unnerving. A person with no prior background in a courtroom may be confused as to what type of criminal defense may best fit a particular situation. Regardless of the type of crime in question, there are typically various options available for fighting against any and all charges in court.
If a defendant was at a different location when an alleged crime was committed, an alibi defense may be a good option. Enlisting witness testimony that can substantiate an alibi is one option. A solid alibi may convince the court that reasonable doubt exists, thereby helping a defendant avoid conviction.
Perhaps the accused was at the site of the crime when it was committed. In order to refrain from providing any information or evidence that may be self-incriminating, a defendant retains the right to remain silent. It is the prosecution that has the burden of proving the accusations in court, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until that occurs. Often, a criminal defense attorney will speak on the behalf of the client so nothing is said that might help the prosecution.
In certain situations, a defendant may admit the underlying act for which charges have been filed. However, there may be extenuating circumstances that serve as evidence toward a not guilty ruling. For instance, a person accused of crime may have been acting in self-defense. A first logical step to take to build a strong criminal defense in Missouri is to discuss one’s situation with an experienced attorney.
Source: FindLaw, “Defending Yourself Against a Criminal Charge“, Accessed on Aug. 31, 2016