Alibi Details

If you happen to get entangled in a criminal trial, an alibi is crucial. Instead of potentially incriminating yourself, you may remain silent let the alibi's statement speak for your innocence. With your attorney's help, you can bolster your defense with a strong alibi. With this alibi, an attorney will help you plan on your best angle of defense. When it comes to an alibi, the prosecution often bears the burden of proof. It means the prosecution has to prove beyond reasonable doubt that your alibi is false—which is possible. There are instances when an alibi can’t help your case. For example, if a gang commits a crime, a court can charge every member for it. It doesn’t matter whether the gang member committed the actual crime or not.

Alibi Example

Person X, who happens to be your friend, is accused of murdering his roommate, Mr. G. On the day of the murder, you hung out with person X at Bar KG, accompanied by two more friends. Bar KG is a popular establishment with CCTV cameras around.

A celebrity came along, and you all swarmed to take a picture with him. Since you were too drunk to go home, you slept at the bar. In person X's defense, an attorney can use the CCTV recordings from the bar to prove his innocence. You and your friends can also testify to have been drinking with him on that fateful night.

Person X has an array of evidence to prove his claims. The guards can testify to seeing Person X and crew leave in the morning. This testimony is an alibi placing him away from his room. It can absolve him of the murder charges.

Types of Alibi

There are two types of alibis. One is when a witness's testimony places you away from the crime scene. An alibi carries more weight if it is by someone not close to you. A friend or family member may be motivated to cover for you. Someone you have no relation to is not likely to do so, such as a waiter. Many witnesses strengthen an alibi defense. If these witnesses saw you at a particular place on a specific date, then it looks credible. Also, know that the prosecution has the right to interview your witnesses.

The second type of alibi is evidence that places you away from the crime scene. Evidence used as an alibi comes in many forms. It can include surveillance video, receipts as well as work log records. Ensure your alibi evidence is airtight for positive results. You need to provide the prosecution with copies of the evidence you have. Where this is not possible, give them access to the evidence.

In some states or countries, you need to submit your alibi defense in advance for the authorities to verify its authenticity. Failure can lead to the alibi being inadmissible in court. Your attorney can guide you on how to go about it.