Clients Learn About Criminal Defense Options With Washington D. C. Law Firm

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By Andreas Paschar


When it comes to legal issues, there are many reasons one may need to hire someone who is well versed in the workings of this governmental system. If one is hurt due to the fault of another, a Washington DC personal injury attorney could be helpful. Other situations may call for a lawyer in the fields of immigration, tax, corporate or criminal law.

Under the law, every defendant is entitled to a proper defense. They must also be proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt before they can be convicted. It is the job of their lawyer to ensure both fair representation and that the accused does not get buried beneath a lot of legal speak and technicalities.

Everyone is presumed to be innocent until their guilt is proven by either trial or plea. It is the prosecution's job to prove to the judge or jury, beyond reasonable doubt, that the defendant committed the crime. While the majority of lawyer will pose a defense, they are allowed to remain silent and force the government to take the burden of proof.

A defendant has several plea options they may enter when accused of a crime. Quite often the claim is that they are not guilty. They way this is typically proven is through presenting documentation or witnesses that place them someplace other than the crime scene during the time frame in which the action is said to have occurred.

If the defendant admits to committing the crime but with extenuating circumstances, they could use several defenses. A claim of self defense basically states they acted to protect themselves, insanity means they had diminished mental capacity, and under the influence means that either drugs or alcohol caused their actions. These are all commonly utilized.

Entrapment, a claim that the government basically tricked them into committing the crime, is another plea option. This is quite difficult to prove in most situations. A lawyer takes the responsibility to advise the client on the most fitting defense for their particular circumstances.




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