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How To Present A Successful Alibi Defense

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If you have been charged with a serious crime, and you were somewhere else when the event occurred, your alibi will be your main defense. There are some things that can weaken your defense and some things you can do to support it.

What Can Weaken an Alibi

When you are going to use an alibi as your main defense, your attorney will need to inform the prosecution of this. The sooner you can get a witness to corroborate your alibi, or to provide compelling evidence to the prosecutor, the better. This may even mean a dismissal of your case.

The first thing a prosecutor may do in a trial is try to undermine the credibility of the witness in some way. Your relationship with this person may be examined, and also the fact a witness may have a vested interest in the outcome of your case may be pointed out. A poor witness is one who waited a long time to talk to the police, is inconsistent about times and other details, sounds like they have been prepped, or sounds sketchy.

Be truthful because your lawyer will be required to provide the prosecutor with the evidence of your alibi, and they will check on its credibility.

How to Bolster Your Alibi

When you are truly innocent, the rub is that you wouldn't have been thinking you need to collect evidence to establish an alibi at the time of the crime, so this can be tricky. One thing that is in your favor is that it is not enough for a prosecutor to attack your alibi.

Reasonableness, plausibility, and credibility are a big deal when it comes to alibis.  If there is little evidence to prove your alibi, a good defense will rely on vigorously challenging the credibility of the prosecution's evidence and witnesses, and emphasizing any implausibility that it was you that would have committed this crime.

A private investigator can be hired to search for witnesses or find other evidence to back up your story. For instance, if you say you were at a restaurant, there may be video of you there, or if you lost your receipt, the manager may have some record of it.

Your Appearance and Demeanor

Your demeanor, behavior, and appearance will be judged in the courtroom just the way they are judged everywhere else. It is wise to show respect for the process and be on time, or even early, for court appearances.  Don't cower over like you feel guilty, or that you have something to hide. On the other hand, don't react when hearing negative testimony; if you are impassive it gives you an air of dignity.

When it comes to your appearance, your lawyer will want to emphasize that you are believable and by extension, so is your alibi.  They may have some preferences due to the nature of the defense strategy they are going to present, so be prepared to go along with those things. Don't wear clothing that is similar to the description of that of the person who committed the crime.

If you have a choice between flamboyant and conservative—go conservative. If you are a man, wear a suit or at least wear a long sleeved shirt and a tie. If you are being held in jail, ask a friend or relative to bring you some nice socks or hosiery to go with your clothes. Wear good quality clothing and make sure everything is mended and wrinkle-free.

Don't wear heavy makeup. That makes you look like you have a façade and are trying hide who you are. Your hair/facial hair should be as conservative as your clothes, plus squeaky clean, tidy, and well-trimmed.

And Finally

You need to hire a lawyer like Druyon Law experienced in criminal defense law. Be truthful and earnest and do your best to provide credible evidence and witnesses for your alibi. Present a credible, trustworthy appearance, and be cooperative with your attorney's defense strategy.


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