6 Common Strategies of a Criminal Defense Lawyer
Law is a broad and diverse field with many different specializations. One such specialization is criminal defense. Criminal defense lawyers represent and defend individuals accused of committing a crime. Criminal defense lawyers employ various strategies to ensure the best possible outcome for their clients. Some of the most common strategies are outlined below.
1. Investigation
To build a strong defense, criminal defense attorneys in Palm Beach must thoroughly investigate the facts and circumstances surrounding their client’s case. This may include interviewing witnesses, reviewing police reports, and analyzing evidence.
For investigations to be effective, lawyers must have a strong understanding of the law and its application to their client’s cases.
2. Plea Bargaining
In many cases, criminal defense attorneys in Palm Beach can negotiate a plea bargain with prosecutors. A plea bargain is an agreement between the prosecutor and the defendant in which the defendant pleads guilty to a lesser charge in exchange for a lighter sentence.
Plea bargaining can be an effective strategy because it allows the defendant to avoid the risk of a trial and the possibility of a more severe sentence.
3. Police Interrogation
If a client is accused of a crime, the police will likely want to question them. Police interrogations can be stressful and intimidating. However, a criminal attorney lawyer in West Palm Beach must be present during these questioning sessions to protect their clients’ rights.
During interrogation, the police may trick the suspect into confessing to a crime. They may also use scare tactics or threats to get the suspect to talk. The criminal defense lawyer’s job is to make sure that their client does not say anything that could be used against them in court.
4. Reasonable Doubt
For a defendant to be found guilty of a crime, the prosecution must prove their guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. This is a high burden of proof and often requires the prosecution to present substantial evidence.
If the prosecution’s case is not strong enough to meet this burden of proof, the defendant may be found not guilty. This is why it is so important for criminal attorney lawyer in West Palm Beach to carefully review the evidence against their clients and look for any holes in the prosecution’s case.
5. False Confession
One of the most common strategies used by a Palm Beach criminal attorney is to challenge a confession given by their client. In some cases, defendants may confess to a crime they did not commit. This can happen for various reasons, including duress, coercion, or intoxication. If a confession is false, it can often be the key to winning a case.
6. Unreliable Eyewitness Testimony
Eyewitness testimony can be very persuasive to a jury. However, it can also be very unreliable. Stress, lighting, and distance can all impact what a witness remembers. A Palm Beach criminal attorney may try to discredit eyewitness testimony by pointing out how unreliable it can be.
These are just a few common strategies criminal defense lawyers use. By understanding these strategies, you will be better prepared to defend yourself if you are ever accused of a crime. Patrick R Mckamey is a criminal defense lawyer with experience with these strategies and more. If you have been accused of a crime, contact Patrick R Mckamey today to learn more about how he can help you.