{"id":352196,"date":"2023-08-16T13:43:05","date_gmt":"2023-08-16T18:43:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/criminal\/criminal-law-basics\/defending-yourself-against-a-criminal-charge.html"},"modified":"2023-08-16T13:43:05","modified_gmt":"2023-08-16T18:43:05","slug":"defending-yourself-against-a-criminal-charge","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/criminal\/criminal-law-basics\/defending-yourself-against-a-criminal-charge.html","title":{"rendered":"Defending Yourself Against a Criminal Charge"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Defending Yourself Against a Criminal Charge<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By Olivia Wathne, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Melissa Bender, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last reviewed\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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Defending yourself against a criminal charge is not easy. You must understand the elements of the crime that you have been charged with and the defenses you may have against those elements. Every case is different, but here are a few of the most common defenses to a criminal charge.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n\n\n\n

When you’re up against prosecutors and law enforcement, make sure you have a strong defense strategy. It can be helpful to review these potential defenses with a criminal law attorney<\/a>. They can help you identify arguments and evidence in your favor.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Reasonable Doubt<\/h2>\n

To convict you of a criminal charge, the prosecutor must prove your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt<\/a>. This is a high standard to overcome. During any trial, the defendant may present a defense to raise a reasonable doubt. Most defenses break down into one of two categories:<\/p>\n