What is the difference between a direct and circumstantial evidence in criminal defense law?

In criminal defense law, the difference between direct and circumstantial evidence is that direct evidence directly links a defendant to a crime, while circumstantial evidence suggests the possibility of a crime but does not directly link the defendant to it. Direct evidence is evidence that directly proves an accused’s guilt without requiring any logical reasoning. For example, if a witness sees a defendant commit a crime, that witness’s testimony would be considered direct evidence. Circumstantial evidence, on the other hand, is any evidence that infers or suggests an accused’s guilt but does not directly link them to the crime. Circumstantial evidence generally requires logical reasoning to connect it to the accused’s guilt. For example, if a witness saw an accused person near the scene of the crime, this would be circumstantial evidence and would require logical reasoning to prove it as evidence against the accused. In West Virginia, criminal defense lawyers must be aware of the differences between direct and circumstantial evidence and how to use each kind of evidence in order to provide the best outcome for their clients. Whether a case involves direct or circumstantial evidence, the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, and the defense must be able to make a compelling case of innocence using the evidence available.

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What is the difference between a direct and circumstantial evidence in criminal defense law?

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