Maine has a fairly strict criminal justice system that readily punishes offenders. If you have a criminal case in this state, it is best to prepare a strong defense for an acquittal or dismissal. It will also help you avoid a criminal record. 

When faced with a criminal charge, developing a good defense is the best way to prevent a guilty verdict. Many popular criminal defense strategies can help you acquit yourself or even get your case dismissed. This article reviews some popular options that may apply to your case. 

Insanity 

The insanity defense argues that a defendant cannot be found guilty of a crime because they did not know what they were doing or that it was wrong. You can use this affirmative defense if, at the time of the crime, you suffered from a mental disease that prevented you from understanding the wrongfulness of your action. 

Intent is an important factor in proving guilt in a criminal case, and no prosecutor can prove intent for someone who is clinically insane; you cannot have intentions when you don’t know what you are doing. 

You need solid evidence to prove insanity when pursuing this defense. Medical reports and expert testimonies are usually effective here. The insanity defense is usually effective for an acquittal, but may earn you a mandatory visit to or confinement in a psychiatric facility. 

Self-Defense or Defense of Others 

This is another valid defense against criminal charges, usually involving violent crimes. Here, you argue the need to use force to protect yourself or others from unlawful attacks. While Maine laws consider self-defense and the defense of others valid, it is subject to specific conditions and limitations. 

For instance, you can leverage the Castle Doctrine that protects you when defending your home against intruders. The Stand Your Ground principle also permits you to use necessary force to stand your ground if you’re not the initial aggressor and when at a place where you have the right to be. When you can prove the use of reasonable force against an imminent threat, the self-defense strategy will get you off a violent criminal charge. 

Alibi

An alibi defense proves that a defendant was in a different location from the crime scene at the time of the crime, asserting that they couldn’t have committed the crime. This is another effective defense to earn you a not-guilty verdict in a criminal case.

Evidence is the most important factor when presenting an alibi defense. You must establish absence with tangible and verifiable evidence. Physical evidence, such as video surveillance, receipts, and time-stamp photos, is excellent for an alibi. Witness testimonies and digital evidence can also corroborate an alibi. 

Challenging Evidence 

The prosecutor usually has the burden of proof in every criminal case. This means they must prove your guilt beyond any reasonable doubt to win the case. To achieve this, they need strong evidence. You can topple their case and get acquitted of the charges by challenging their evidence presented. Your attorney can question the reliability of their evidence when you can assert contamination. 

You can also file a motion to suppress evidence when it was obtained through the violation of your constitutional rights. Experienced lawyers like the Maine Criminal Defense Group can effectively use this strategy when overwhelming evidence is presented against you. 

Endnote

A guilty verdict in a criminal case can ruin your life. You may serve time and end up with a tainted record. Good lawyers and a strong defense can help you avoid these. You can choose an affirmative defense like self-defense and the insanity defense, present an alibi, or challenge the prosecutor’s evidence.