The Importance of Character Witnesses in Sex Crime Trials

Many sex crime trials rely heavily on the victim’s testimony that the defendant is the person responsible for committing the crime. There may be little forensic evidence to support the victim’s claims, and the evidence may be circumstantial. In many cases, the jury’s decision whether or not to convict will be based on the credibility of the witnesses who testify against – or for – the defendant.

This is where a well-selected character witness can make a difference. A character witness is someone who knows the defendant and who can testify based on their own experience about the defendant’s reputation, their history of moral or lawful behavior, and the defendant’s relationships with other people.

Indiana Rules of Evidence and Character Witness Testimony

While the Indiana Rules of Evidence generally do not allow evidence of someone’s character to prove that the person did or did not act a certain way on a particular occasion, some exceptions apply when that person is a defendant in a criminal case. The exceptions are as follows:

• The defendant can offer evidence of their own “pertinent trait.” If the evidence is admitted, the prosecution can offer evidence to rebut it.
• The defendant can also offer evidence of a pertinent trait of the victim. There are limits to this, however, and a separate rule applies if that evidence relates to the victim’s past sexual behavior.

In some cases, character witness testimony may be the only evidence the defendant introduces as part of their defense case. Remember, in criminal cases, the prosecution bears the burden of proof. It must convince the jury beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant committed the crime or crimes that they are charged with. A strong character witness can introduce enough doubt into the minds of jurors so that they are unable to convict the defendant.

Razumich & Associates Knows What it Takes to Defend Against Sex Crime Charges

At Razumich & Associates, our attorneys have years of experience defending clients charged with all types of sex crimes in courts all across Indiana. We understand how stressful it can be to be accused of a sex crime and how difficult it can be to face the possibility of spending years or even decades in prison. Our attorneys know the laws, the rules, and the procedures that apply in criminal cases, and we will use our knowledge and experience to protect your rights and fiercely defend you against the charges you are facing.

Call Razumich & Associates today at 317-983-5333 or fill out our contact form, and we will get back to you to schedule a consultation. When you are facing sex crime charges, you need a lawyer who is ready to fight – with Razumich & Associates on your side, that’s exactly what you’ll get.