What are the different types of criminal defenses?

In Arizona, criminal defendants can raise a variety of defenses to criminal charges. The most frequently used are the following. The first defense is the alibi defense, which argues that the accused was not present at the time and/or place of the alleged offense. This type of defense is often bolstered by evidence such as eyewitness testimony, phone records, credit card receipts, etc. The second defense is the insanity defense, which argues that the accused was mentally incapable of understanding or appreciating the wrongfulness of his or her conduct. To be successful, an insanity defense must be supported by medical evidence, such as medical testimony or a psychological evaluation. The third defense is the defense of duress, which argues that the accused acted only because of an imminent threat of serious bodily harm. This defense is typically used in cases involving robbery, kidnapping, or attempted murder. The fourth defense is the impossibility defense. This defense argues that the accused could not have committed the crime because it was physically or legally impossible to do so, e.g., the accused did not have the means to carry out the crime. The fifth and final defense is the entrapment defense which argues that the accused was induced to commit a crime by law enforcement officers or agents. To be successful, the defense must be supported by evidence that the accused was lured or encouraged by a law enforcement officer to commit the crime.

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