When we go to trial, we defend you to the best with all our resources in Morgan, Logan, and Weld County. Unfortunately, we can’t be experts in every field, so when we are faced with a case where Serious Bodily Injury allegedly occurred, we often consult people who are much more knowledgeable. Doctors make perfect expert witnesses, because their experience and training allows them to validate our defense. And, juries have a high respect for doctors and other expert witnesses – this is why we call them super witnesses.
What is Serious Bodily Injury (SBI)?
When the District Attorney claims Serious Bodily Injury occurred in a case such as Assault, Domestic Violence, or Sexual Assault, it is important to understand that the presence of a serious injury raises the potential punishment. The definition of Serious Bodily Injury is:
“Bodily injury which, either at the time of the actual injury or at a later time, involves a substantial risk of death, a substantial risk of serious permanent disfigurement, a substantial risk of protracted loss or impairment of the function of any part or organ of the body, or breaks, fractures, or burns of the second or third degree.”
Where Do Expert Witnesses Come In?
If the prosecution alleges the alleged victim in your case suffered Serious Bodily Injury, we often call in expert witnesses to verify our defense. For example, let’s say you got into a bar fight with another man. You are charged with Assault, and because he suffered broken ribs, he is claiming he suffered Serious Bodily Injury. We call a doctor to examine the x-rays. After examining the evidence, the doctor determines the broken ribs happened before your fight. You would be charged with a less serious form of Assault, because Serious Bodily Injury didn’t occur at that time.
Juries love super witnesses much like we all love good, old-fashioned superheroes.
Super Witnesses and Why Juries Love Them
Juries love expert witnesses. This is because doctors, nurses, and other professionals are specialized in the specific area of expertise for which they are testifying. Doctors have years of experience and years of school under their belt. They make the most trustworthy witness. Because of this, juries and judges love these super witnesses (much like we all love a good, old-fashioned superhero). Expert witnesses can be expensive to retain, but often their validation of our defense is the difference between jail time and a prison sentence.
We have an extensive network of medical experts and super witnesses throughout Greeley, Evans, and Erie with whom we consult in criminal cases. If you have been contacted by the police regarding a crime which involves Serious Bodily Injury, be smart, exercise your right to remain silent, and contact an experienced criminal defense attorney at the O’Malley Law Office at 970-616-6009, or submit the “Get Help Now” form.
Together, we can protect your future.
Image Credit: FreeDigitalPhotos.net – Jeroen Van Oostrom