In criminal cases, the burden of proof is on the prosecution to prove the person did actually commit the crime. This must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt. When a person is arrested and is innocent, they will want to make sure they speak with a lawyer as quickly as possible so they can receive legal advice in Burlington, VT.
Proving a Negative Is Difficult
While evidence can be used to prove something did happen, it’s difficult to prove something did not happen. For instance, if a person is accused of a crime at a place they were not at, they can’t just say they weren’t there. They need some evidence to show they weren’t there or will need to at least prove there’s a reasonable doubt they were at that location at that time.
If a person is innocent, their lawyer will not necessarily work to prove they didn’t commit the crime but will focus on dismissing evidence that shouldn’t be allowed in court and casting doubt on the prosecution’s case to try to at least show it’s possible the person isn’t guilty so they will be found not-guilty if the case goes to trial.
Evidence Can Disappear If It’s Not Collected Quickly
There may be times when there is evidence that a person did not commit a crime, but this evidence needs to be collected quickly. This is why it’s so important to contact a lawyer right away. They’ll know where to look and what to look for to find evidence that could help the person avoid a conviction.
In the example above, the person was at a different store across town at the time the crime occurred. If they spoke with a lawyer quickly, the lawyer might be able to get security camera footage of the other store showing the person was across town and could not have committed the crime. This could lead to dismissed charges as long as they can get the security footage before it’s erased.
If you’ve been arrested, whether or not you’re guilty of the crime you’re accused of, seek legal advice in Burlington, VT as quickly as possible. A lawyer might be able to cast doubt on the prosecution’s case so you can avoid a conviction. Contact us to learn more or to speak with a lawyer right away.
