When you are facing criminal charges, you may worry about convictions. However, a jury must be convinced, “beyond a reasonable doubt,” of your guilt to render a verdict. Unfortunately, many are unfamiliar with this term and how it can impact their criminal case. If you are charged with criminal activity, understanding the steps you must take to defend yourself is essential. As such, enlisting the assistance of a Sacramento criminal defense lawyer is critical to fighting for your best interest. The following blog explores what you must know about reasonable doubt and how guilt is proven.

What Is Reasonable Doubt?

When charged with a crime, there must be enough evidence to convict you of the offense. As such, there must be enough evidence to prove that you are guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. Generally, if there is any doubt in the mind of the jury, so long as it is reasonable, they cannot convict the accused of the crime.

Proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt is the highest and most strict burden of proof that must be fulfilled during a criminal trial. Essentially, if there is no reasonable explanation for the outcome, the prosecution has completed it’s job.

It is the job of the prosecution to prove that the defendant is guilty. As such, the defense is not required to prove innocence but can simply cast doubt upon the prosecution’s argument.

How Can an Attorney Cast Doubt?

There are many methods a defense attorney can use to cast doubt on the prosecution’s argument. For example, they may do any of the following:

• Cast doubt on the credibility of the witness
• Provide an alibi as to where the defendant was at the time of the crime
• Supply evidence to dispel the claims made by the prosecution
• Point out inconsistencies in the prosecutor’s claims
• Illustrate procedural errors that can influence the case

For example, if you are charged with a DUI, your attorney may be able to prove that the officer responsible for administering the breathalyzer test did not follow proper procedure, which can skew the outcome of your results.

If I’m Facing Criminal Charges, When Do I Need to Contact an Attorney?

The minute you are charged with or believe you will be charged with a crime, you must contact an attorney. Unfortunately, there are many complications that can arise when you are charged with an offense. Even something as simple as a misdemeanor crime can have intense and lasting repercussions. As such, having an attorney to represent you is vital.

At the Law Offices of Dale R. Gomes, we understand how frustrating and confusing the legal process can be. As such, we will do everything possible to assist you during these times. Contact our firm today to connect with a member of our committed team to discuss the circumstances surrounding your case.