Top Strategies for Building a Strong Defense in an Ohio Criminal Case

If you were arrested and charged with a crime in Ohio, prompt action to build a compelling defense can give you the best chance of securing a favorable outcome in a criminal case. An experienced criminal defense attorney can help you develop and pursue compelling defense strategies. Here are some ways your lawyer will bolster your defense.

Conducting a Prompt, Thorough Investigation

An effective defense strategy begins with a defendant and their legal counsel starting a thorough investigation of the criminal charges as soon as possible. Although prosecutors must turn over exculpatory evidence or other information favorable to a defendant, investigators have no interest in finding such information. As a result, a defendant may find the evidence needed to build a robust defense case only through an independent investigation of the facts.

Challenging the Prosecution’s Evidence

In Ohio, the prosecution must prove every element of a charged offense beyond a reasonable doubt. For this reason, defendants frequently fight criminal charges by challenging the admissibility and reliability of the prosecution’s evidence. Challenges may include motions to exclude prosecution evidence as inadmissible under the rules of evidence or unlawfully obtained by law enforcement, such as when police officers conduct a search without probable cause or question a suspect without informing them of their rights. Defendants may also challenge the reliability of prosecution witnesses by presenting impeachment evidence, such as the witness’s prior convictions for crimes involving dishonesty or facts suggesting that the witness may have motives to provide less than entirely accurate testimony.

Developing Strong Witnesses

An effective defense strategy may also involve developing compelling defense witness testimony. Defendants may present various types of witnesses at trial or during sentencing proceedings, including fact witnesses and eyewitnesses who can testify about the alleged offense, alibi witnesses who can place the defendant somewhere other than the scene of the crime, expert witnesses who can help the jury understand complex scientific issues in the case, or character witnesses who can support finding mitigating factors during sentencing, such as a defendant’s peaceful nature, amenability to rehabilitation, and strong family, community, and work ties.

Pursuing Favorable Plea Deals When Appropriate

When the prosecution has substantial evidence to support their case, a defendant may seek to negotiate a favorable plea deal that avoids the most severe consequences of a conviction. Defendants can still negotiate favorable deals despite the strength of the prosecution’s case since prosecutors and judges favor plea deals that avoid the time and expense of litigation and trial. Courts also look favorably upon defendants who accept responsibility for their crimes by pleading guilty, as the court can consider that factor when sentencing the defendant.

Contact a Seasoned Criminal Defense Attorney Today

When you face criminal prosecution, a knowledgeable defense lawyer can assist you with building a robust case strategy to pursue a favorable resolution of your charges. Contact DiCaudo, Pitchford & Yoder today for a free, confidential consultation with our legal team to discuss how we can help you protect your rights, reputation, and future from the consequences of an arrest and conviction.