If you face the possibility of heading to court, you want your law team to craft a strong defense. Whether you’re accused of a misdemeanor or a felony, having the right strategy can impact your case. What is the best defense in a criminal case for Ohio? We’ll take a look at a few possible scenarios.
Criminal Defenses
When facing a criminal charge, you need to have a solid defense. Since Ohio’s legal system has many nuances, you will want to work with a criminal defense lawyer to assist with your strategy. Here are a few defense strategies that may work in your situation.
Lack of Evidence
In every criminal case, the prosecution must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. A skilled defense attorney can challenge evidence and witness credibility. If there are gaps or inconsistencies, your defense can weaken the prosecution’s argument. In turn, that can create reasonable doubt in the judge or jury’s mind.
Along with challenging the evidence, a defense attorney can also argue that the prosecution has not met its burden of proof. Sometimes, your defense attorney can show that the evidence presented is not sufficient to establish guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Police or Prosecutor Errors
Any mistakes made during an investigation or trial can work in your favor. They can include:
- Mishandling of vital evidence
- Violating your rights
- Procedural missteps
Your attorney will need to scrutinize every detail of the case. They can challenge any evidence that was obtained illegally or through improper means. With this defense, you can also ensure that your rights are protected throughout the entire legal process.
Mistaken Identity
Mistaken identity is a common cause of wrongful accusations. In these cases, it can be incredibly challenging to defend yourself against any accusations. With the help of a skilled defense attorney, you may be able to clear your name.
They will investigate various aspects of the case to establish that you were not the perpetrator. For example, they can look into alibis, eyewitness reliability, and surveillance footage to find evidence that supports your innocence.
Lack of Criminal Intent
In criminal law, some offenses require a certain level of intent. The prosecution must prove that you had a guilty state of mind at the time the crime was committed. However, if you lacked the necessary criminal intent, your attorney can argue that you did not knowingly or purposefully commit the offense. This defense can be used to prove that you did not have the required mental state to be held responsible for the crime. As a result, you should not be convicted.
Self Defense
In the state of Ohio, self-defense is recognized as a valid defense. If you acted to protect yourself or someone else from an imminent threat of harm, your attorney can argue that your actions were justified. However, the state’s self-defense laws can be complex. For that reason, you need a skilled criminal defense lawyer to show your actions are legal and justifiable.
Find the Best Defense for Your Case
What is the best defense in a criminal case for Ohio? Well, that answer will depend on the specifics of your case. If you want to know what could apply, make sure to contact a skilled and experienced criminal defense lawyer.
At Axelrod Law Office in Lake County, OH, we are ready to help with your criminal case and craft the best defense for you. Call our office at (440) 271-8126 or submit a contact form to schedule a free, confidential legal consultation.