Generally, when people think about the evidence required for police to bring charges against an individual, most people think about surveillance camera footage, fingerprints, DNA samples, and other forms of evidence. However, they often neglect to realize witness statements and testimony’s vital role in whether the police can lay charges. To many people’s surprise, witnesses’ statements alone are a relatively common form of evidence used at trial. If you have been charged with a crime based on someone else’s testimony alone, contact a talented Bergen County Criminal Defense Attorney who can help defend you against eyewitness statements in the trial. Please continue reading to learn whether you can be charged on witness statements alone.
Is it possible to be charged with a crime based on someone else’s testimony?
Firstly, in a criminal trial, witness testimony occurs when witnesses who saw or heard the crime retell what they know about the situation. Essentially, witness testimony can be written or an oral statement provided by someone with relevant information regarding a criminal case. Although it may seem unfair, under certain circumstances, eyewitness testimony alone can be enough for you to be charged and convicted of a crime. This is particularly true with cases involving assault, sexual assault, or domestic violence. If the judge and jury find a witness statement credible, they can charge or convict you of a crime based solely on witness testimony alone.
The statement must be made under oath for eyewitness testimony to be used to charge someone with a crime. Eyewitness testimony can come from a third party willing to share what they saw or the alleged victim. As mentioned above, eyewitness testimonies can be written statements. If a written statement does not contain sufficient information, a lawyer can request an interview for a more precise statement regarding the information provided previously.
Ultimately, for an individual to be charged or convicted of a crime based on someone else’s testimony alone, the judge and jury must consider whether the witness statement is credible alongside looking at other forms of evidence.
Should I consult an attorney?
When charged with a crime based on someone else’s testimony alone, it is imperative to retain quality legal representation, as your attorney can help you identify and defend you against false accusations. An experienced Bergen County criminal defense attorney can help you undermine the credibility of an eyewitness testimony. If the judge and jury question the credibility of a witness statement, it can significantly benefit your case as the prosecution may not have enough evidence to prove your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
If you have been charged with a crime based on someone else’s testimony, contact a skilled Bergen County criminal defense attorney from The Law Office of Carl Spector as soon as possible. Our firm is committed to defending our clients to prevent harsh penalties.
