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I Have Been Charged With a Crime and the Only Proof Is Another Person’s Word. Is That Legal and What Can I Do?
Many people believe that in order to be charged with or convicted of a crime, there must be hard physical evidence, such as DNA or fingerprints, not just mere allegations by another person. However, if the person talking to the police is believable, the police may choose to press charges, even if there isn’t physical evidence.
Unfortunately, many people get charged with crimes based on another person’s word, whether the story is true or not. This is especially true in cases involving fighting or domestic violence – a partner may get angry with another partner, they may fight, and one person could be charged with assault or other domestic violence charges based on another person’s story.
In many cases, people may be convicted based on the person’s word alone. Many crimes don’t usually involve physical evidence, but instead could use eyewitness testimony. If the jury or judge believes the complainant, the charges could result in a conviction. However, if you are being charged with a crime based on one person’s word alone, there is hope. It is much, much easier to defend a case in which the sole proof is one person’s testimony. It may be easy for an experienced defense attorney to point out the individual had a motive to accuse the defendant or that the story couldn’t have happened the way the person said.