William G. Yarborough

When false murder charges lead to death

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Murder is when a person kills an individual with a conscious intent to cause death or serious bodily harm. The person accused of murder should have had malice aforethought, meaning they planned on executing the criminal act and went through with it. In South Carolina, murder is a capital offense punishable by death.

However, wrongful convictions happen more often than you realize. Someone facing false murder charges could die for a crime they did not even commit.

Why do false murder charges happen?

A murder accusation is so scandalously immoral that it can ruin a person’s life completely, even before they have a chance to exercise their right to a fair trial. False murder charges should not even exist, yet they do even today. False murder charges happen because of the following reasons:

  • Eyewitness errors and misidentification
  • Erroneous forensic evidence
  • Profiling and prejudice
  • Police misconduct
  • Perjury
  • Prosecutorial misconduct
  • Misleading testimonies and false confessions
  • Coerced testimonies and confessions

The prosecution will work tirelessly to obtain a conviction and the nature of the charges has the tendency to sway the sentiments of a courtroom. It may force an accused person to agree to a plea bargain and admit guilt because they are afraid to die.

Defending against false murder charges

A person is only guilty of murder if the prosecution has enough evidence to satisfy the standard of proof for criminal cases, which is beyond a reasonable doubt. They must prove the defendant is so clearly and obviously guilty of murder that any rational person would agree. The defendant’s legal representative must convince the courtroom that the evidence does not justify a murder conviction. The prosecution has a higher burden, and rightfully so, especially when an innocent person’s life is on the line.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if I need a lawyer?

If you have been charged with a crime, arrested, or under investigation then you need a lawyer.

When you’re charged with a crime, there may be potential penalties that you’re not aware of. But there are ways to defend against the charges, too. Your lawyer can strategize for your case. They can represent you in court and to the prosecutor, putting their expertise to work for you.

Even if the charges don’t seem significant now, they may affect you in the future. Your lawyer defends your freedom and your best interests. If you’re facing a criminal charge or police investigation, contact a criminal defense lawyer.

What steps should I take immediately to protect my rights?

If you’re arrested or charged with a crime, be polite – but don’t consent to any search. Politely say that you refuse to answer any questions. Don’t resist the law enforcement officer.

Exercise your right to remain silent. This includes law enforcement officers before and after the arrest. It also means not talking to others at the police station, your friends, extended family, and social media. The things you say can be used against you.

Ask to contact your lawyer. Then call us right away. We can represent you at your next court hearing. Save everything that you think may be relevant to the case.

How long will my case take?

Every case has a different timeline depending on the severity and facts of the case. Some criminal charges can be resolved in just a few weeks. Others can take several months.

As your lawyer, William G. Yarborough will help you balance the various factors. It can take time to build defenses and/or negotiate a favorable plea agreement. It may be worth it to wait to go to trial. Other times, it’s best to take a plea deal.

What’s right for you depends on multiple factors. Attorney Yarborough can advise you on what he thinks is your best course of action.

Will my case go to trial?

There may be non-trial options available to you. You may secure a plea bargain or a pre-trial case diversion. Sometimes, preliminary motions can result in charges being dismissed.

However, you always have the right to a trial. In a trial, the prosecutor must prove the charges against you beyond a reasonable doubt.

Most cases don’t end up going to trial. But what matters is your case. Attorney Yarborough will work with you on a personalized case plan that reflects your interests and goals.

If your case does go to trial, Attorney William G. Yarborough is prepared to aggressively defend you in court.

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