The Right Way to Prove Your Innocence In The Court Of Law

If you have been arrested, charged, and given a court date for a crime you did not commit, then your primary concern will be proving your innocence. Proving your innocence is not as straightforward as it should be. In fact, many people trick themselves into thinking that just because they know that they are innocent, other people will too. Unfortunately, this is not the way the world works. This article will tell you the right way to prove your innocence in a court of law.

Discretion

When you are arrested and charged, unless your case is very serious, you will have the opportunity to bail yourself out. When you are out, you must be as discreet as possible. Investigators may try to get you to incriminate yourself, and friends and family may try to get you to tell them details about your case. Do not talk to anybody other than your lawyer and people that you truly trust.

Avoid Journalists

If your case has picked up a lot of interest in the media, then journalists will pursue you when you are released on bail. By talking to journalists, you may worsen your chances of receiving a not guilty verdict. The media can be very powerful in swaying the opinion of jurors. They may try to swindle you into talking under the guise of ‘getting your side of the story out there,’ but more often than not, they just want to hammer the nail into your coffin.

See Your Lawyer

Seeing your lawyer at least once before your trial is important. According to the legal specialists from www.criminallawyer-nj.com, a conviction can cast a shadow over your life and change it forever. Because of this, you must do everything within your power to prove your innocence. Your lawyer will suggest trial strategies to you. If you can’t meet them because of the pandemic, then keep in regular contact through letters, emails, and phone calls.

Testify

You do not have to testify. However, testifying in your case can be beneficial. Your lawyer will advise whether or not it is a sensible decision for you to testify. If the prosecution’s evidence is overwhelming and they have a witness, then you might want to testify. This gives you an opportunity to present your defense and prove the prosecution’s witness and evidence are false. If the prosecution can discredit you on the stand, then do not testify, like if you have prior convictions, for example.

Focus

When you are on trial, it is understandably easy to become emotional. You might also find it difficult to concentrate. It is important that, to prove your innocence, that you stay focused and calm. Do not act hysterically.

Preparation

Preparing for court can be difficult, especially if you do not know what to expect. Your lawyer should be able to tell you more or less everything that you need to know. Your lawyer will also be able to tell you who the state will present as witnesses against you, what they will say, and what evidence they have. You should be able to go point by point through the prosecution’s evidence and rebut it all. If the state presents a witness who says he saw you commit the crime, then present your own witness who says that you did not commit the crime. The prosecution will try their hardest to discredit you, so similarly, you and your lawyer should attempt to discredit the prosecution’s witnesses.

Look the Part

When you are appearing in court, you need to look at the part. Many people appear in court dressed inappropriately and are then surprised why the jurors find them guilty. You need to wear a suit and look professional – similarly to how you would if you were going into a job interview.

Confidence

Confidence exudes innocence. Even if you are terrified, you must appear confident, calm, and collected. Speak loudly and measuredly. Do not make jokes, smile, or laugh. It is easy to unintentionally appear nonchalant when you are feigning confidence. Sit up straight, look the prosecution in the eye, and be as confident as you can.

Practice

Your lawyer will probably want to practice cross-examination with you if you intend on testifying. You should rehearse at home too. Tell the truth and speak in your own words; if you are a mouthpiece for your lawyer, the jury may pick up on it. Make sure when under cross-examination that you make eye contact and do not appear to be hiding anything.

Proving your innocence in court may be one of the hardest things that you will ever do. If you follow this guide and listen to your lawyer’s advice, however, then you can pull it off.