The defense to prosecution for the crime of theft is typically claiming that the accused had a legal right to the property or did not intend to permanently deprive the owner of it.
If, in fact, a person has commited identity theft, the result is the same for an ex-spouse or a stranger...possible arrest, prosecution and prison for a felony crime.
There was no defense nor any prosecution, He was never brought to trial. Cunanan was trapped on a houseboat and committed suicide as the police closed in on him.
(in the US) There are no specific laws that single out mentally ill individuals for special prosecution. As a matter of fact, mental illness may well be a defense against criminal prosecution.
The defense for the accused individual in this case is that they did not commit the crime they are being charged with. They may argue that there is insufficient evidence to prove their guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
A common defense to prosecution claims is the "insanity defense," where the defendant argues that they were unable to understand the nature of their actions or distinguish right from wrong due to a mental disorder at the time of the crime. Another defense is "self-defense," suggesting that the defendant acted to protect themselves from imminent harm, thus justifying their actions. Additionally, a defendant may claim "duress," asserting that they were forced to commit the crime under threat of immediate danger to their life or safety.
Identity theft became a federal crime with the passage of the Identity Theft and Assumption Deterrence Act in 1998. This law made it illegal to knowingly use another person's identification with the intent to commit fraud or other crimes. It established penalties for identity theft and allowed for federal prosecution of such cases, enhancing the legal framework to combat this growing issue.
The difference between the prosecution and counsel for defence is that the prosecution is the body that is representing the plaintiff who tries to convice the judge/magistrate that the defendant has committed crime while the counsel for defence is the body that is representing the defendant who tries to convince the judge/magistrate that the defendant has not committed any crime.
In a criminal trial, the prosecution typically calls the first witness. This occurs after the opening statements, as the prosecution has the burden of proof to establish the defendant's guilt. The defense will then have the opportunity to cross-examine the prosecution's witnesses and will present its own witnesses after the prosecution rests its case.
that is called coercion, or if the facts allow, you could also say the crime was committed under duress
In Texas, the key elements of the defense to prosecution include presenting evidence to challenge the prosecution's case, asserting legal defenses such as self-defense or lack of intent, and ensuring the defendant's rights are protected throughout the legal process.
The opportunity for the prosecution to question the defense's witnesses is called "cross-examination." During this phase, the prosecution aims to challenge the credibility and reliability of the defense's witnesses to strengthen their case. Cross-examination typically occurs after the defense has presented its case and called its witnesses.
It is customary at the conclusion of the prosecution's case in a criminal trial for the defense to ask for a required finding of not guilty, arguing that the prosecution failed to introduce sufficient evidence from which the jury could find the defendant guilty. The judge typically assesses the evidence "in the light most favorable to the prosecution." Unless the prosecution has failed to introduce evidence on one or more elements of the crime, the Judge will deny the motion and allow the jury to decide the case. See the related link for more information on criminal procedure.