Every criminal case is unique. Every defendant typically needs help putting together a defense strategy based on the charges they face and the evidence the state has. Sometimes, defense attorneys can convince the courts to set aside certain evidence because of police officer misconduct. Other times, people may have acted in self-defense or while experiencing duress due to threats made by an outside party. The best defense strategy is unique to the situation.
In cases where the state has what seems like strong evidence, defendants may need to plan with an attorney to counter the state’s case. That process might involve a variety of different strategies, including the use of expert witnesses. Expert witnesses can play a critical role in a criminal defense strategy.
By questioning state practices
Frequently, expert witnesses seek to undermine the state’s case. They help raise a reasonable doubt about whether a defendant actually violated the law or intended to do so. For example, a forensic specialist could raise questions about how police officers secured a crime scene. They could provide information about how contamination might have occurred that reduced the reliability of evidence. Expert witnesses could show that the testing procedures or even the digital processes used by the state do not align with current best practices in the scientific community. Their input could reduce how authoritative the state’s case seems.
By creating an alternate explanation
Expert witnesses can potentially provide an alternative analysis of the evidence gathered by the state. They could reach a completely different conclusion or show how the state’s conclusion is questionable at best. In some cases, expert witnesses could identify an alternate suspect or prove that the evidence does not clearly connect to the person on trial. Additionally, expert witnesses could potentially break down evidence in a way that makes it accessible and understandable to jurors. The narrative that they craft could change how the jury views the situation and possibly also the defendant.
Expert witnesses can play a critical role in a successful criminal defense strategy. Employing a robust defense strategy can improve a defendant’s chances of avoiding a potentially life-altering criminal conviction.
