If you’ve been charged with a crime in Baltimore, the first step you should take is to consult a Baltimore criminal lawyer. The legal process can be complex, and having an experienced criminal attorney in Baltimore County by your side can make a significant difference. One of the most important aspects of any criminal case is identifying the available defenses. A strong defense strategy can help reduce or even dismiss the charges against you. Below, we explore some of the most common defenses that a criminal lawyer in Baltimore may use to protect you in court.

1. Lack of Evidence

A fundamental defense in any criminal case is the lack of evidence. Under the U.S. legal system, the burden of proof rests with the prosecution. This means the prosecution must prove your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. If the prosecution cannot provide sufficient evidence that you committed the crime, your criminal lawyer in Baltimore can argue that the case should be dismissed or that you should be acquitted.

For instance, in a drug possession case, if there is no physical evidence linking you to the drugs, your lawyer may argue that the prosecution has failed to meet its burden of proof. The absence of reliable evidence or eyewitness testimony can make it difficult for the prosecution to establish your guilt.

2. False Accusations

False accusations are unfortunately common, and a criminal attorney in Baltimore County is skilled at uncovering inconsistencies or lies that may exist in the accuser’s story. Whether driven by personal animosity, misunderstandings, or even a desire for revenge, false accusations can result in wrongful charges.

For example, in a domestic violence case, your Baltimore criminal lawyer may argue that the accuser is lying or exaggerating the events. By presenting evidence, such as witness testimony or conflicting statements, your attorney can show that the charges against you are based on untruths.

3. Alibi Defense

An alibi defense is one of the most effective ways to challenge criminal charges, especially when you have clear evidence proving you were not at the scene of the crime. This defense is based on the premise that you could not have committed the crime because you were elsewhere when it happened.

For instance, if you are accused of a robbery but have video footage or witness testimony confirming that you were at work or with friends at the time of the crime, your criminal attorney in Baltimore County can use this evidence to build a solid alibi defense. The prosecution would be unable to prove that you were the person responsible for the crime.

4. Self-Defense

In some cases, individuals may be charged with violent crimes such as assault or even homicide, but their actions were taken in self-defense. Under Maryland law, a person has the right to protect themselves from imminent harm or threat. However, the use of force must be reasonable, and the threat must be immediate and unavoidable.

For example, if you are charged with assault but can demonstrate that you were simply defending yourself from an attacker, your Baltimore criminal lawyer can argue that your actions were justified. In cases of self-defense, the lawyer may present evidence that the use of force was necessary to protect your life or prevent injury.

5. Unlawful Search and Seizure

The Fourth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution protects citizens from unreasonable searches and seizures. If law enforcement officers violated your constitutional rights by conducting an illegal search or seizure, your criminal attorney in Baltimore County may file a motion to suppress the evidence obtained during that illegal search.

For instance, if police officers stopped your vehicle without probable cause and found drugs or weapons, your lawyer may argue that the search was unlawful, and any evidence obtained should be excluded from the trial. If this motion is successful, the prosecution may have no case without the suppressed evidence, leading to a potential dismissal of charges.

6. Involuntary Actions

In some criminal cases, the defendant may not have had full control over their actions due to factors such as intoxication or mental illness. Maryland law allows for certain defenses based on a lack of intent or the inability to act voluntarily.

For example, if you were intoxicated when the crime occurred, and your intoxication was involuntary, your Baltimore criminal lawyer may argue that you should not be held criminally liable for the offense. However, it’s important to note that the intoxication defense is not valid for all crimes, particularly if you were voluntarily intoxicated.

Similarly, if you committed a crime due to a mental illness or condition, your lawyer may raise a defense based on the idea that you were unable to understand the nature of your actions or distinguish right from wrong at the time of the offense.

7. Entrapment

Entrapment occurs when law enforcement officers induce or coerce a person to commit a crime they would not otherwise have committed. This is typically a defense used in cases where undercover officers or informants persuade someone to break the law. If your criminal attorney in Baltimore County can prove that you were entrapped by law enforcement, the charges against you may be dropped.

For instance, if you were coerced into selling drugs by an undercover officer who persistently pressured you into committing the crime, your lawyer may argue that you were a victim of entrapment.

8. Mistaken Identity

Mistaken identity is another common defense in criminal cases. If you were wrongly identified as the perpetrator of a crime, your Baltimore criminal lawyer may challenge the reliability of the identification process, whether through eyewitness testimony or police lineups.

In many cases, witnesses may misidentify suspects, especially in high-stress situations. Your lawyer may present evidence showing that the identification process was flawed, thereby creating doubt about your involvement in the crime.

Conclusion

When facing criminal charges in Baltimore, it’s crucial to work with a skilled criminal lawyer in Baltimore who can assess your case, identify viable defenses, and build a strong defense strategy. Whether it's a lack of evidence, a false accusation, or any of the other defenses mentioned above, an experienced criminal attorney Baltimore County will work diligently to protect your rights and achieve the best possible outcome for your case. If you’ve been charged with a crime, don’t hesitate to reach out to a criminal lawyer who can guide you through the process and fight for your future.