When you are charged with a felony crime, understanding the legal system is vital to doing everything possible to protect yourself. If charged with a crime, it means the state is arguing that you allegedly engaged in the offense. However, alleging that you committed a felony is not enough to convict you. As such, the prosecution must prove you are guilty of a crime. However, you may not know what reasonable doubt is, how it can help your case, or how it’s proven in court. The following blog explores what you must know about these circumstances and how an Oklahoma City felony defense lawyer can assist you through these challenging times.
What Is Reasonable Doubt?
When charged with a felony crime, the prosecution must prove that a criminal offense occurred and the defendant is the perpetrator or had involvement in the crime. It’s important to note that you cannot be convicted on speculation, and the evidence submitted by the prosecution must be firm but does not have to exceed all possible doubt – just reasonable doubt.
You may hear the term “beyond a reasonable doubt.” The prosecution must prove that you are guilty of a crime and that there is no other reasonable explanation derived from the trial evidence. Generally, this means the jury must be almost entirely certain that you are guilty in order to enter a guilty verdict and convict you of the crime. In order to fulfill the legal burden of proof, which is the standard that must be satisfied in order to prove someone is guilty of a crime, is proving they are guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
However, the attorney for the defendant can cast reasonable doubt on the arguments of the prosecution. This can be done by providing an alibi, illustrating procedural errors during the investigation, pointing out discrepancies in reporting, and showing that you acted in self-defense.
What Should I Do if I’m Facing a Felony Charge?
Facing a felony charge in Oklahoma is a very serious matter. Unfortunately, this can uproot your entire life, as you can face jail time, probation, being denied jobs and housing, losing custody of your children, and giving up rights. As such, it’s essential to contact an experienced attorney when arrested for a felony crime.
When facing serious charges, having an experienced attorney to fight for you is essential. At the Jones Firm, PLLC, we understand how devastating a felony conviction can be. That’s why our team is committed to examining the details of your case to help cast doubt on the prosecution’s argument. We will do everything possible to assist you through these challenging times to help you achieve the best possible outcome for your circumstances. Contact us today to learn how we can help you.
