Defences
When a person pleads not guilty to a criminal offence, they must advance a defence. This may be a legal defence, such as self-defence or mental illness or a factual defence such as the existence of an alibi or arguing that the accused was mistakenly identified.
In order for a person to be found guilty of a criminal offence, the prosecution must prove them guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. However, when the defence raises certain defences, the burden of proof is shifted. For instance, when the defence advances the defence of insanity, it bears the burden of proving that the defence applies. If a court is not satisfied beyond a reasonable doubt that a defence does not apply, it must find the accused not guilty.
This section of the site contains information on criminal defences.
About Armstrong Legal
Armstrong Legal is a national law firm with over 30 years of experience advising Australians on serious legal matters across various areas of law like criminal law, corporate crime and traffic law. You are looked after by experts in their field, with our team including a number of Accredited Criminal Law Specialists who have passed a rigorous assessment and been conferred with Specialist Accreditation by the Law Society.
As a specialist criminal law firm, we hold extensive practical experience across a wide range of situations and court scenarios. Our lawyers can explain your rights, assess your options and help you understand the likely path forward, no matter whether your search led you here through "defence legal", "drink driving lawyers near me" or "first offence drug driving QLD".
Our lawyers understand that being charged with a criminal or traffic offence can be an incredibly stressful time, which is why we carefully consider how to guide you through the legal process. So, if you have questions about "criminal solicitors Sydney", "sexual assault defence lawyer" or "penalties for drug possession Victoria", contact us at Armstrong Legal today.