How do criminal defense attorneys present closing arguments in court?

Criminal defense attorneys present closing arguments in court to summarize their argument and persuade the jury to render a verdict in their client’s favor. The attorney will usually address the jurors directly and focus on the facts that support their case, how those facts fit the legal elements of the charges, and the defendant’s position on the matter. In West Virginia, the defense must give their closing argument after the prosecutor has presented their case. The closing argument should generally last no more than one hour. During this time, the criminal defense attorney will have the opportunity to review the evidence presented by the prosecution and highlight the facts that support their defense. They will also want to point out any pertinent laws or legal precedents that refer to the case. The criminal defense attorney should then use the evidence to argue why the jury should decide in their client’s favor. They should present an argument that logically explains why the evidence presented supports their case and not the prosecution’s. Finally, the attorney will usually close by making a final plea to the jury to deliver a verdict that is in the best interests of their client. Throughout the closing argument, a criminal defense attorney should remain professional and courteous while also using persuasive language to help the jury understand why their client should not be found guilty.

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How do criminal defense attorneys present closing arguments in court?

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