What Are the Most Common Criminal Defenses
Criminal Defense Strategies
Some criminal defense strategies span nearly any crime and can apply in a wide variety of situations. Here are some of the most common criminal defenses and when you should get help from an experienced attorney.
False Arrest
Many attorneys will look at the circumstances surrounding a client’s arrest before beginning to dig further into the case. If the evidence supports that the police did not properly adhere to protocol during the arrest, the client may be able to argue that the arrest was false. In this case, the charges are likely to be dropped.
Lack of Evidence
If the prosecution doesn’t have enough evidence to prove a defendant committed the crime they’re accused of beyond a reasonable doubt, this may also be enough to have the case dismissed.
Innocence/Mistaken Identity
Often, criminal defense lawyers will simply argue their clients’ innocence, suggesting a case of mistaken identity. This is particularly effective when the evidence against the defendant is unclear or the defendant has an alibi that proves they were somewhere else at the time of the alleged crime.
Self-Defense
In cases of domestic violence and assault, the client may have actually been trying to defend themselves from an attack. Attorneys often use the self-defense argument when the defendant has physical injuries from the incident or when the evidence is clear that the defendant was provoked or feared for their safety.
Entrapment
Entrapment is a defense that is sometimes used when an attorney sees evidence that points to them being “set up” to be arrested for a crime. Often this is by police who want to arrest a person that they haven’t been able to find enough evidence on, such as a person they believe to be selling drugs. The police may set up a false buy operation, posing as civilians, and then reveal their identities and arrest the suspect when the drug sale has been made. However, entrapment can be more difficult to prove and the strategy requires a certain set of circumstances to be met.
When to Call a Connecticut Criminal Defense Lawyer
If you were arrested for a crime, it’s critical that you act immediately to protect your rights under Connecticut law. The police and prosecuting attorneys are already working against you to compile evidence to prove your guilt, and you should have someone on your side working equally as hard to defend you. Call Iron Chris today for more information or to schedule your consultation at 860-530-1781.
