Under the Constitution, everyone accused of a crime is presumed innocent until proven guilty and has the right to defend themselves against charges. During the process, the prosecution must show guilt “beyond a reasonable doubt,” while criminal defense attorneys may choose from a variety of tools and legal strategies to demonstrate your innocence.

Below are a few of the most common defense arguments:

1. The Presumption of Innocence

Defendants are not required to prove their innocence to succeed in a criminal trial. Instead, your criminal defense attorney may instead attempt to show that the prosecution failed to meet the high burden of proof required for a conviction. They may simply remind the jurors of the “reasonable doubt” standard, call their own witnesses, or submit alternative evidence if necessary.

2. The Alibi Defense

Police and prosecutors sometimes ignore evidence that the defendant was elsewhere when the crime was committed. Receipts, witnesses, camera footage, or other proof showing the defendant could not have committed the crime is one of the most powerful criminal defense strategies available.

3. Self-Defense

In some situations, the defendant may admit to performing the act in question while disputing that a crime took place. If the supposed victim was the aggressor in an assault case and the defendant had reason to fear for their own safety, self-defense may be an effective legal strategy. Because the laws describing its acceptable use vary from state to state, always consult a skilled criminal defense attorney to ensure the best possible outcome.

For over 85 years, the criminal defense attorneys at the Law Offices of Iannuzzi and Iannuzzi have been providing extremely effective legal representation to New Yorkers accused of a variety of crimes, from serious felonies to minor drug offenses. Visit their website to see their extensive list of legal services, follow their Facebook for updates and news, and call (212) 227-9595 to schedule your consultation today.