Why is Motive so Important to Juries in Criminal Cases?
Criminal charges in Minnesota and across the country are based upon elements of the individual charges. This is everything from what somebody allegedly did to where they did it. For instance, the “where” is important because the Court must be able to have jurisdiction in order to prosecute. However, what regularly is not one of the elements is motive. Motive isn’t necessary to prove guilt but is sure may be important. If you are facing serious criminal charges in Minnesota, it is important to consult with an experienced criminal defense attorney.
“Juries may not need motive but they sure want it.”
What exactly is Motive?
Motive is the reason why somebody does something. To a jury, this is especially true when what exactly happened may not be so clear. Motive could be anything from love, hate, money, anger, power or a very long list of reasons and it all could go to the reason why somebody may have committed the crime in question.
Why Does it Matter So Much?
Juries are empaneled to solve a mystery. This is frequently how they see it even though their actual job is different. Actually, they are there to determine whether the Government can provide enough evidence to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that a certain person, the defendant, committed a specific crime or crimes. The thing is, if nobody else was there and all the Government has is circumstantial evidence, the Government will likely lean heavily on motive. Even more, if the Government can’t explain that, juries could easily say to themselves, “it doesn’t make any sense that the defendant would do this thing because he had no reason to do so.”
An example of a charge where motive is nowhere to be seem but also everywhere is 1st degree murder. The elements are generally
causing the death of another
with premeditation
with the intent to effect that death.
in a particular Minnesota county.
Notice, nowhere in there does it say, “why did they do it?”
What can the Defense do in Motive cases?
The Defense has multiple options to highlight motive n these kinds of cases. They include:
The Defendant had no reason.
The complaining witness or witnesses have a bigger reason to lie and blame the defendant. If there is motive in the room, you are looking in the wrong place.
There are other people with more motive than the Defendant.
“Juries could easily say to themselves, it doesn’t make any sense that the defendant would do this thing because he had no reason to do so.”
The purpose of attacking motive is because it goes to the underlying question in every criminal case, does it make sense that this person would do this. In the end, it is about establishing a reasonable doubt. A lack of motive in itself may be enough for some jurors even if they have some circumstantial evidence that points to the defendant.
If you are facing serious charges like sexual assault, domestic assault, murder and more, understanding the question of motive and how it fits into a criminal case can be critically important. Sit down with an experienced Minnesota criminal defense attorney. Better yet, make sure that person is a Board Certified Criminal Law Specialist.
Go with the Best
Jack Rice is a nationally known and respected criminal defense attorney. Jack is also a former prosecutor, former CIA Officer and a Board Certified Criminal Law Specialist. Finally, Jack is the Founder of Jack Rice Defense, a boutique criminal defense firm based on Cathedral Hill in St. Paul, Minnesota. Contact Jack Rice Defense for a free confidential consultation or call 651-447-7650 or 612-227-1339. Jack’s got your back.