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What Are Common Defenses Used In Criminal Cases? - Crime - Nairaland

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What Are Common Defenses Used In Criminal Cases? by Rebeccagrey123: 8:20am On Jul 27
If you are facing criminal charges, do not give up hope. There are defenses that can be used to mitigate the penalties of the crimes you're being charged with, and in some cases, these defenses may be enough to exonerate you completely. The key is having a good criminal defense lawyer in Oklahoma City on your side: one who knows the state laws and the local courts and can help you mount the strongest defense possible.

From a Criminal Defense Lawyer in Oklahoma City: Common Defenses Used in Criminal Cases

1. Innocence

The most straightforward of defenses: here you are arguing that you did not commit the crime at all. The prosecution has the burden of proof, which means that it is all on them to show that you, beyond any reasonable doubt, committed the offense. Your lawyer may be able to present alternative evidence, witness testimony, surveillance footage, and other things that will show that you were not involved.

2. Alibi

An alibi is proof that you were somewhere else at the time that the crime occurred, which means it is impossible that you committed the crime you're being charged with. Many things can help to establish an alibi claim, including witness testimony, receipts, and video footage. For more information, click here.

3. Self-Defense/Defense of Others

If you are being charged with an act of violence against another person, self-defense may be a possible defense. Here, you and your lawyer are arguing that you acted to protect yourself and/or others from an immediate threat of harm. To succeed, you must be able to show that the threat you were facing was immediate, your response was reasonable, and that you only used the force that was necessary to counter the threat.

4. Duress

Sometimes, a bad actor will try to force another person to commit a crime under the threat of immediate harm to themselves or others if they do not comply. This is usually done because the true criminal wants to hang the responsibility of the crime on someone else.

If this is happened to you, your lawyer will help the court to see that you were coerced into committing the crime and that there was no reasonable means for you to get out of the situation without complying. There are certain situations where this cannot be used as a defense, though, including murder.

5. Insanity

With this defense, you are essentially claiming that you are not mentally capable of understanding the nature or wrongfulness of your actions, at least at the time they were committed. There are mental illnesses that can prevent a person from actually forming an intent to commit a crime, and intent is necessary for there to be a criminal action. In most cases, someone who is found not guilty by reason of insanity would be committed to a mental health facility for a time instead of prison.

These are just some of the possible defenses: there are many more. A qualified an experienced criminal defensive attorney will be able to help you explore all possible options to defend yourself.
Re: What Are Common Defenses Used In Criminal Cases? by mariovito(m): 8:35am On Jul 27
Add justification to the list.

I would say add automation even though it goes with insanity.

Also, provocation may make the list.
Re: What Are Common Defenses Used In Criminal Cases? by squash47(m): 9:00am On Jul 27
SAPA:
One could argue that they committed a crime because of serious hunger that's dealing with them. Especially in this Tinubulated Nigeria.

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