Regardless of the facts of your case, the prosecution will likely approach you with a plea deal. While this is standard practice aimed at expediting cases and reaching efficient resolution, you shouldn’t always buy into the confidence that the prosecution appears to have in its case. Sometimes prosecutors enter plea negotiations with fingers crossed, hoping that the defendant will take a deal on what is otherwise a loser case. In these instances, you don’t want to agree to a conviction and harsh penalties if you can avoid it.
But to avoid this outcome, you have to recognize when the prosecution’s case is on its heels. That can be difficult to do, especially when you have little or no experience with the criminal justice system, but don’t worry. In the remainder of this blog, we want to show you some signs that the prosecution’s case is weak and maybe even beatable. That way you’ll have a better idea of when you should consider pushing harder for dismissed charges or an acquittal at trial.
Each prosecutor is different, as are the facts of each case. Therefore, signs of weakness will vary from case-to-case. That said, here are some common indicators that the case against you is weaker than the prosecution would like:
- Their witnesses are untrustworthy: Even if there’s physical evidence in your case, the prosecution will still have to present testimonial evidence. If the prosecution’s key witnesses have credibility issues, then you can use them to your advantage to show that the foundation of the prosecution’s case can’t be trusted. So, if the prosecution is leaning heavily on questionable witnesses, then they likely have a weak case that you might be able to beat.
- They’re pushing hard for a plea deal: While plea bargaining is common in almost all criminal cases, the prosecutor in your case might be overly aggressive in trying to secure resolution when their case is weak. This is because they know that if they can’t wrap up a deal, they’re going to be floundering in court.
- You were subjected to an illegal search and seizure: If the police violated your Constitutional rights in searching you, your car or your home, then you stand a strong chance of suppressing the prosecution’s evidence. This can quickly derail their case and increase the chances that you’ll avoid conviction.
- You weren’t read your rights: When you’re subjected to custodial interrogation, the police are required to advise you of your Miranda rights. If they don’t and you subsequently make a confession, then you can probably block that confession from being used against you at trial. So, while the prosecution might try to use that illegally obtained confession against you during plea negotiations, it’s actually a sign that they may not have much to hang their hat on.
- They can’t show motive: Although the prosecution doesn’t have to prove motive to obtain a conviction, it can help them persuade a jury. If they can’t articulate why you committed the crime in question, then they’re in a weak position going into trial.
Be ready to pounce on the prosecution’s weaknesses
As you develop your criminal defense, you need to identify the prosecution’s weaknesses and be ready to aggressively attack them during negotiations and at trial. By doing so, you may be able to beat the allegations that have been levied against you and salvage the life that you’ve worked hard to build for yourself.