It was like one of many crazy nights where you blow off steam with friends — except this one feels different. You just completed your final requirements and are set to graduate from university soon. You remember only bits and pieces but you know it was one of the best nights of your college life.
Your perception of the night shatters when somebody accuses you of assault and charges you with a crime. To you, it was a harmless night out with fellow seniors. But turns out it was anything but. Now, you find yourself in a situation that requires the representation of a lawyer.
Sexual assault, forgery, theft, white collar crimes — these are some of the most common cases that criminal defense attorneys in Littleton, Colorado deal with. And they can be frightening and traumatic experiences. Only a lawyer with the appropriate knowledge and training will know how to defend you in court.
Keep in mind, however, that a limited number of criminal defenses can help your case:
Mental Health Disorders
Your mental health condition can play a big role in your lawyer’s strategy. It can heavily influence your case as you go through the criminal justice process. Sanity and mental competency are tricky, however. They can be subjective so your lawyer has to present solid evidence in your favor.
You can plead Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity (NGRI), meaning you did do the act but you aren’t responsible for what happened because of your mental state. Take note that you should present to the prosecutor all mental health evidence explaining your state of mind. This includes medical records and evaluations that back up your case.
Necessity or Lesser Harm
The doctrine of necessity has always been present in criminal defense. You can establish this type of defense if the criminal act you have been accused of is justifiable by any of the following:
- You had to do it to prevent significant bodily harm.
- You had no viable alternative in the situation.
- Your actions did not trigger the situation.
- Your act did not result in greater danger.
Necessity — along with self-defense, legal duty, or lawful capacity of office — may be the key to proving you are not guilty of your criminal charge.
Impossibility
If there really was no possibility that the accused crime happened, you may go down the route of impossibility defense. Your lawyer can use this criminal defense if there is factual and legal evidence that it is impossible for you to commit the crime that you allegedly attempted to carry out.
Work with a Reliable and Experienced Lawyer
Ideally, good people are rewarded with good things and experiences. But in reality, even good people with honorable intentions can find themselves facing allegations of serious criminal activity. Damaged reputation aside, criminal charges can take a heavy toll on your psyche because of shame or trauma.
Any of the aforementioned reasons can strengthen your position, help you win your case, and give you peace of mind. So, make sure that you are working with an attorney who you trust and who is experienced in complex criminal matters. This way, they can protect you as you face a criminal charge.
