Criminal charges can result in serious consequences such as jail time, fines and a criminal record. However, people facing criminal charges in Texas have some options for criminal defense strategies and tactics commonly used in the state.
Commonly used defense strategies
Anyone facing criminal charges should have a solid criminal defense strategy in place. Here are five of the most frequently employed defense strategies:
Lack of evidence is a straightforward defense strategy that argues that there is insufficient evidence to prove the charge beyond a reasonable doubt.
An alibi defense strategy claims that the defendant was not at the location of the crime at the time it was committed.
A mistaken identity defense strategy argues that the prosecution has identified the wrong person.
Self-defense is a strategy that argues that the defendant acted in self-defense to protect themselves or another person and that the actions were reasonable under the circumstances.
A mental illness or insanity defense strategy argues that the defendant was not in control of their actions at the time the crime was committed due to a mental illness or was legally insane.
Relevant defense strategies
The specific defense strategies and tactics will vary depending on the circumstances of the case and the evidence available. As one moves forward with their case, it’s also valuable to understand that other defense strategies may not be commonly used but could still be relevant to their case.
Less common defenses
A defense of entrapment is one example of a less commonly seen defense. Its use is in cases where law enforcement induced the defendant to commit a crime they wouldn’t have otherwise committed. These are just some examples of the many defense strategies with application in protecting rights and interests in a criminal case.