What Is The Role Of A Criminal Defense Attorney During A Trial?

The primary role of a criminal defense attorney during a trial is to ensure the defendant gets a fair trial. They do this by defending the legal rights of the defendant and presenting a solid case that casts reasonable doubt about their guilt to ultimately secure an acquittal. You might feel unsure and stressed about what to expect in a criminal trial if you have been charged with a crime.

Understanding exactly what a criminal defense lawyer can do for you can help relieve some of your worries, especially if your case reaches the trial stage. If you’ve yet to discuss your case with a Berks County criminal defense attorney, here’s what they generally do to ensure defendants get a fair trial.

What to Expect From Your Berks County Criminal Defense Attorney During Trial

In addition to representing you during the trial, much of the work of your defense lawyer is carried out before the start of your trial. These include evaluating and investigating your case, giving you legal counsel throughout the entire case, filing the appropriate pre-trial motions, and negotiating with the prosecution. During your trial, your Berks County criminal defense lawyer will:

Select The Jurors

Jury selection is one of the first and most critical tasks your lawyer and the prosecutor must do during the trial. Choosing the right jurors can mean the difference between being handed a not-guilty verdict and going to prison.

Present The Opening Statement

Your attorney will present the perspective of the defense, discuss the evidence involved in the case, briefly discuss the defense strategy, and call out potential weaknesses in the prosecution’s case against you.

Cross Examine The Witnesses

Your Berks County criminal defense attorney will cross-examine the witnesses of the prosecution to try and challenge their credibility and testimony. Done right, this weakens the prosecution’s case and support your case.

Present The Defense Strategy

Your defense attorney will present witnesses and evidence that support your innocence or make the jurors doubt your guilt. They may explain the specific circumstances of the crime you allegedly committed or present alternative theories to reinforce your side of the events.

Challenge The Evidence Against You

This can include challenging the reliability of forensic evidence or witness testimonies and questioning the lawfulness of how the evidence against you was acquired. Your Berks County criminal defense attorney will argue the exclusion of unreliable or inadmissible evidence, which can increase your chances of an acquittal or reduced sentence.

Present The Closing Argument

Your lawyer will present a compelling closing argument highlighting the prosecution’s argument’s weaknesses and emphasizing the evidence in your favor. Weaknesses can include inconsistencies in witness statements and insufficient evidence that the jurors should take into account during their deliberation.

Build Your Defense Strategy With Our Berks County Criminal Defense Attorney Today

Our Berks County criminal defense lawyer at Feeman Law Offices is dedicated to safeguarding the legal rights of the accused and fighting for their freedom. To learn more about the charges you’re facing, schedule your case review with our Berks County criminal defense attorney at 717-273-1763 or online.