Murder is one of the most severe criminal charges the state can bring against an individual. People accused of murder in New York face harsh penalties including long-term or even permanent incarceration. The record of a murder conviction typically influences someone’s life indefinitely even if they rejoin society after a period of incarceration.
Those arrested on allegations of murder may feel uncertain about how to respond. Many people panic when facing serious felony charges and start considering a guilty plea just to avoid the stress of a trial. What they fail to consider is that they may have a reasonable chance of prevailing if they take the matter to court.
What does a criminal defendant facing murder charges need to know about the burden of proof at issue?
The burden of proof typically falls to the prosecutor
A New York prosecutor bringing murder charges against an individual needs quite a bit of evidence. To secure a conviction, the state must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that one person intentionally caused the death of another.
Evidence could include prior telecommunications between the person accused and the person who died, video footage of an altercation and testimony from witnesses. Forensic evidence from the scene of the crime could also play an important role in the state’s case.
Murder is one of the criminal offenses that require criminal intent. The prosecutor not only needs to connect an individual to the offense itself but also has to establish that they intended to cause harm to the other party.
Certain defenses shift the burden of proof
Depending on the type of response a dependent amounts to a murder charge, they may have to provide compelling evidence. In cases where a defense attorney helps establish an affirmative defense, the defense team needs to prove that the situation meets certain standards.
Self-defense is an example of an affirmative defense. The defendant tries to claim that they had a credible fear for their safety that forced them to engage in violent behavior for their own protection.
In some cases, the evidence the state has may not be enough to convince a jury beyond a reasonable doubt of the defendant’s guilt. In other cases, it may be possible to exclude some of the evidence or to present evidence that supports an attempt at an affirmative defense.
Reviewing the state’s evidence with a skilled legal team in a case involving murder or another violent crime can help an individual determine the best strategy possible. A murder charge necessitates an assertive response if a defendant wants to move on with their life without suffering permanent consequences.