When you’re charged with a crime, it helps to have a good alibi.
An alibi is simply proof that you were unable to commit the crime for some reason, and that the authorities have charged the wrong person.
Alibi evidence may include video surveillance footage, eyewitnesses, credit card receipts, or even work timecards. A successful alibi defense can result in an acquittal of the charges against you — but you can expect the prosecution to try to poke holes in your alibi and question the credibility of your witness.
What makes a strong alibi defense?
It all boils down to the strength of your evidence.
For example, eyewitnesses can form part of your evidence, but how reliable are they? Family or friends may not sound convincing to a judge or jury since they might be covering for you. On the other hand, witness testimony from someone who doesn’t know you or barely knows you could be deemed more credible.
The strongest evidence in an alibi defense is the kind that can be objectively verified. For instance, if GPS records and surveillance footage show that you were at work when the crime in question was committed, your alibi is likely airtight.
The prosecution has a high burden of proof
In criminal cases, the prosecution has to prove the charges before you beyond a reasonable doubt. An alibi defense needs only to raise a reasonable doubt that you were not at the scene of the crime as it occurred for you to be acquitted.
If you’ve been charged with any kind of crime, the smartest thing you can do is invoke your right to remain silent and focus on building your defense.