A prison wall

What is Reasonable Doubt in Criminal Cases?

Court hearings and trials follow very specific protocols and processes. Many things need to be considered before a decision can be made; it can save someone’s life or completely ruin it. There is no margin of error or room for mistakes. One such factor is reasonable doubt, or “beyond a reasonable doubt.”

What Is It?

“Beyond a reasonable doubt” is a legal standard of proof required before anyone can be sentenced as guilty or not guilty. It only applies in a criminal case because the consequences are very drastic. According to the Due Process clause in the Fifth Amendment, no person can be sentenced as guilty as long there is even a shred of doubt, or the person can’t be proven guilty through evidence.

What Is The Purpose?

It means that the jury needs to be absolutely sure before they can give an official verdict. The basic purpose behind this concept is to make decisions easier for all parties involved. It was introduced for the best and has done more good than harm, but it does have loopholes that can be exploited.

How It Works And How Lawyers Use It

One of the things a defense lawyer does is ask many unnecessary questions about the evidence at hand. Their constant questioning of the evidence creates reasonable doubt in the jury’s heads, and that is all the lawyer needs to protect their clients. Moreover, while giving their closing statements, they try to convince the jury that the evidence present is not sufficient for a decision.

Stuck In A Dilemma

While addressing the jury, the lawyer will emphasize that it is their duty to convict the person if they truly think that the person is guilty. This and a little bit of showcase of emotions and wordplay can be enough to throw the jury off.

Let’s not forget that a jury is just a group of regular civilians picked by the government based on a questionnaire. The emotional toll is too much for these ordinary people if they convict someone innocent guilty. Call it sly or skilled, loopholes exist to be exploited, which is something lawyers are good at.

A jail cell

Don’t Lose Hope

Although one might feel that there is no way out or there is enough evidence against them, it is important to remember that you can always get help from a bail bonds agency like DeLaughter Bail Bonds.

We exist to serve people in their most desperate times when they feel abandoned and lose all hope. DeLaughter Bail Bonds is here to help you get through the stickiest of situations. Our experience and knowledge in the industry have allowed us to serve our clients successfully since 2010.

Contact us now to get help with paying your bail.

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