People hoping to fight criminal charges generally recognize that they need defense attorneys to assist them. They may not realize that they may require the assistance of other professionals as well.
Expert witnesses are common additions to defense teams. People with specialized training and years of practical experience in certain fields can have a major impact on the success of a criminal defense strategy. Professionals can help people accused of crimes raise a reasonable doubt about what really happened. Forensic accountants can review financial records. Medical specialists can interpret reports about injuries or causes of death. Their insight can play a major role in an effective defense strategy.
How can expert witnesses support defendants and their lawyers?
By undermining the state’s case
Expert witnesses are often able to identify issues with the state’s evidence. For example, a digital enhancement expert could explain why the process of enhancing blurry or shady security camera footage can produce false matches. Specialists can also raise questions about the use of junk science that may not hold up under modern scientific scrutiny. Their insight into the evidence can raise claims about how the state gathered, analyzed or interpreted the evidence.
By creating an alternate explanation
Expert witnesses can sometimes identify indicators that another party may have played a role in a criminal incident. A forensic accountant could identify an account holder who received embezzled funds, for example. Their analysis of the evidence can lead to credible claims that another party may have actually been to blame for a criminal incident. That, in turn, can establish the reasonable doubt necessary to prevent a criminal conviction.
By explaining complex evidence
The popularity of police television shows has led to many people simply accepting the state’s analysis of evidence as valid and authoritative. Expert witnesses can explain in detail why the evidence may not be authoritative. They can make the information easily digestible for jurors and judges. Their ability to explain complex ideas in a simple manner can be very beneficial during criminal proceedings.
Retaining the services of expert witnesses may be part of a comprehensive criminal defense strategy. Experts who reinterpret evidence or help analyze a situation can raise critical questions about whether someone has actually broken the law or not.
