Understanding Burdens of Proof in Philadelphia Criminal Trials

Understanding Burdens of Proof in Philadelphia Criminal Trials

Facing criminal charges in Philadelphia? As a defendant, it’s crucial to understand the “burden of proof” and how it impacts your case. This legal standard determines whether prosecutors can secure a conviction based on the evidence, or lack of evidence, presented in court.

What Exactly is the Burden of Proof?

The burden of proof refers to the obligation of prosecutors to prove all elements of an alleged crime beyond a reasonable doubt in order to obtain a guilty verdict. This means they must eliminate any reasonable doubt in the judge or jury’s mind about the defendant’s guilt.

While it may sound straightforward, reasonable doubt has a specific legal meaning. As explained by The Fishman Firm, it is not absolute certainty of guilt, but rather hesitation by a “reasonably careful and sensible person” before convicting someone of a crime.

So if defense attorneys can show flaws in the prosecution’s arguments or present contradictory evidence that raises doubt, they may prevent prosecutors from meeting this high evidentiary bar.

Why it Matters So Much in Criminal Trials

The burden of proof sets an intentionally high standard in criminal law to protect defendants’ rights and prevent wrongful convictions. Since the stakes are so high, with people’s reputations, livelihoods and even freedom on the line, the system aims to err on the side of letting some guilty people go free rather than risk convicting the innocent.

As Philadelphia defense lawyer Brian Fishman highlights, prosecutors technically don’t need to eliminate 100% of doubt—just any reasonable doubt. This provides some leeway for defendants and their attorneys to argue against guilt by poking holes in the government’s version of events.

Strategies Criminal Defense Lawyers Use to Raise Doubt

Experienced criminal defense attorneys have various tools at their disposal to establish reasonable doubt on behalf of clients facing charges. Here are 5 of the most common methods they may deploy:

1. Exposing Flaws in Elements of the Alleged Crime

One approach focuses on the specific legal elements prosecutors must prove to convict someone of a particular offense. If any required element is unproven or contradicted by evidence, it creates doubt.

For instance, one firm explains, if prosecutors fail to demonstrate a defendant’s intent to commit fraud, they may not be able to convict on fraud charges due to lack of evidence for a key element.

2. Presenting Contradictory Evidence

Defense lawyers also aim to introduce evidence that conflicts with the prosecution’s version of events. Witness testimony, physical evidence, digital records, or other proof that tells a different story can make guilt seem less certain.

3. Discrediting the Credibility of Prosecution Witnesses

Attorneys may also question the truthfulness and reliability of witnesses testifying for the prosecution. Showing a witness has reason to lie, a bias against the defendant, or simply an unreliable memory can reduce the weight jurors give such testimony.

4. Establishing an Alibi or Alternative Explanation

Providing an alibi for the defendant’s whereabouts, or an alternative theory of the alleged crime that points to someone else’s guilt can also create enough uncertainty to avoid conviction.

5. Leveraging Evidentiary Rules to Exclude Damaging Proof

Defense lawyers can also file motions asking judges to throw out illegally obtained evidence, hearsay, improper expert opinions and other proof that could improperly sway the jury against their client. Excluding such problematic evidence through objections makes it harder for prosecutors to meet their burden.

The Bottom Line: Leverage Every Scrap of Doubt

While establishing reasonable doubt seems like a high bar, in reality, even small inconsistencies, questions or gaps in the prosecution’s case could lead to a not guilty verdict.

Criminal trials often come down to how much doubt jurors have in their minds—not perfection of proof. So working closely with an experienced defense attorney to leverage every piece of uncertainty could make all the difference.

Have you been charged with a crime in Philadelphia? To discuss your best defense options and how to raise doubt in your specific case, contact The Fishman Firm online or call (267) 758-2228 for a free consultation.