People accused of breaking the law worry about what their charges mean for the future. Most people facing criminal charges want to limit the long-term consequences they face. Frequently, people partner with criminal defense attorneys who evaluate their options and plan effective strategies.
There are many different ways to respond to pending criminal charges. The three approaches below are among the most common and successful.
1. Negotiating a plea bargain
In some cases, people do not want to go to trial. They fear the disclosure of personal details in criminal court or worry about the worst penalties possible after a conviction. A criminal defense attorney can negotiate a plea bargain that reduces the charges, limits the criminal penalties or even prevents the disclosure of certain private information during criminal proceedings.
2. Establishing a reasonable doubt
If a defendant intends to take the case to trial, the defense strategy often focuses on questioning the state’s case. Bringing in expert witnesses, providing an alibi or excluding certain evidence can raise questions about whether the defendant actually violated the law.
3. Developing an affirmative defense
In some cases, actions that could be criminal are technically legal. They may have grounds for an affirmative defense. Defendants who can show that they acted in self-defense or while in a state of duress may not have to raise a reasonable doubt. Instead, they must convince the courts that extenuating circumstances limit their criminal culpability for the incident.
The charges the defendant faces and the evidence the state has may influence the best strategy when taking a case to trial. Reviewing the state’s case with a skilled legal team can help a defendant choose the strategy that is most likely to limit their lasting consequences when facing criminal charges.