When you are facing criminal charges in New York, nothing is more important than having a competent, experienced lawyer. Having an attorney does not guarantee a favorable outcome, but it increases your chances.
However, even when you have a good defense lawyer, you still need to prepare with them to make coordination seamless. Below are some vital things to note when preparing a criminal defense in New York.
Table of Contents
A Story That Persuades the Jury in Your Favor
The prosecution is charged with the responsibility of proving you are guilty of the offense charged against you.“At every point of the trial, you need a compelling narrative of the case to prepare an effective defense,” says criminal defense attorney Jeffrey Lichtman of The Law Offices of Jeffrey Lichtman. The goal is to give jurors two sides of the story to avoid making decisions based on one side.
An experienced New York criminal defense attorney will craft a compelling story that’ll resonate with the jurors in your case. This extends beyond just highlighting that the state did not meet its burden of proof.
Gather All Evidence to Support Your Story
While the burden of proof is on the prosecutors, you also need to collect evidence to refute their claims. A good NY criminal defense lawyer will explain how tthe defense wins cases with relevant discovery. You would need to work with an experienced attorney with connections to solid investigators who can help you out.
Furthermore, your attorney must not be lazy; they must be willing to interview witnesses to get a detailed account of your story. Also, your attorney must be proactive, visiting the crime scene, gathering relevant documents, and doing whatever it takes to build a good defense.
Use Key Leverage Points Throughout Proceedings
It is very possible to win a criminal case before trial; a skilled NY lawyer can make it happen. They do that by finding a tangible reason for the court to dismiss the case.
One of the vital ways they do that is by ensuring the state knows they are in control. Also, they show the prosecutors and the state that the defendant deserves to be freed.
Key Aspects of New York Criminal Law for Defense
Criminal cases lost in New York have one thing in common: the attorney did not know the law. NY’s criminal code is subtle; the state needs to prove beyond reasonable doubt that the defendant is guilty. A competent lawyer must understand the subtle nature of NY’s statutes to base their defense.
For example, rather than fighting the whole case, a competent defense lawyer will focus on one specific component. They will base their defense on that component, skillfully making the court, including the jurors, see a different side of the story. For example, a lawyer can argue that although the defendant robbed someone, they did not use brute force.
Be Willing and Able to Fight Till the End
The chances of a criminal defense being in favor of the defendant depend on their ability to fight. You must be willing to stay and let your lawyer fight for you, following their lead with informed decisions. A good NY lawyer knows how to successfully advocate for their client at every point of the case, from pretrial to trial.
Conclusion
Criminal defense cases are devastating, whether or not you are guilty of the crime you are prosecuted for. Regardless, you need to contact a qualified NY criminal defense attorney who can fight on your behalf. They will take you through and gather everything you need to build an effective defense strategy, preparing you for court
