Sometimes a person alleges a crime against another without any other witnesses. After all, it’s impossible to have a third party present in all situations. When cases like this happen, it comes down to the accuser’s word against the accused. If you’ve been charged for a crime with no witnesses, you’re facing an extremely difficult situation. It’s important to note, however, that just because there are no witnesses, that doesn’t mean you’re immediately considered guilty. With the assistance of a trusted criminal defense attorney you can work to mitigate the charges you face and clear your name.
Common Unwitnessed Cases
At The John D. & Eric G. Johnson Law Firm, we work to defend a wide variety of criminal cases. Many of the cases we defend are done without the help of a credible eyewitness. The most common types of unwitnessed cases include:
- Sex Offenses
- Domestic Violence
- Manslaughter
- Arson
- And more…
The penalties for all of the aforementioned crimes are severe. Common penalties include fines, incarceration, probation, and a permanently marked record. Each of these charges also has the potential to drastically change your life as a result of how society views you afterward. Therefore, hiring a trusted attorney is a priority.
When an attorney defends someone in such a case, it’s necessary for them to obtain all documents pertinent to the case, such as police reports and medical documentation. With the help of proper evidence and documentation, a good attorney can build a viable defense strategy that stands up in court.
Finding Inconsistencies in Testimony
One of the most viable defense strategies used in cases without witnesses is inconsistency in testimony. Those who allege a crime can sometimes give inaccurate testimony or exaggerate what happened. They could even lie.
For example, a woman recently alleged in a police statement that a man assaulted her and that he not only broke her nose but also knocked her unconscious. In response to this statement, the police arrested a man, who hired an attorney to defend him. This attorney then obtained the police report and the alleged victim’s medical records and discovered numerous inconsistencies.
First and foremost, the lawyer discovered that the victim identified her assailant as someone other than the defendant. What’s more, the woman’s testimony was inconsistent with the medical records.
Criminal defense lawyers must always ascertain whether an accuser is telling the truth. If they are, then the defendant must accept responsibility for their actions. But if there are inconsistencies in the accuser’s testimony with the relevant statements and documentation, a lawyer must use this information to convince a jury that reasonable doubt about the defendant’s guilt exists.
Finding Inconsistencies in Identification
People may falsely accuse others for a variety of reasons. They could have psychological issues, they may have a personal vendetta against the defendant, or they could simply have made a mistake.
For example, the police recently accused a man of armed robbery. The lawyer defending this man obtained the arrest affidavit and found inconsistencies between the description of the defendant and the person the witness identified as the culprit. She recognized the man as being 6’2″ feet tall, but the man she selected in a photographic lineup was only 5’10” feet tall.
Defense lawyers must always look for these types of inconsistencies when determining if a defendant is guilty of an alleged crime. This is why it’s crucial for attorneys to gather and analyze relevant documentation: to make sure that the accuser is telling the truth. This is especially important in cases where there are no other witnesses to the crime. Gathering and analyzing documentation can often be the difference between a conviction and an acquittal.
Fight False Accusations with a Louisiana Defense Lawyer
If you’re standing trial for a crime you didn’t commit, it’s vital to get the right legal help. An attorney with experience defending unwitnessed crimes will know what type of evidence to retrieve and how to create a credible defense that stands up in court. And, if you act quickly enough you might even be able to release yourself of the charges before you have to stand trial.
At The John D. & Eric G. Johnson Law Firm, attorney Eric Johnson understands the importance of fully investigating and evaluating evidence for our clients to secure a favorable outcome. With decades of experience in criminal law, we’ve been able to help hundreds of Louisiana residents resolve their cases. Call 318-377-1555 or complete our contact form for a free consultation.