Police officers and investigators gather evidence so that prosecutors can pursue criminal charges against those who have allegedly broken the law. There are many rules that apply to the collection, storage and analysis of evidence.
All of those standards serve to help ensure that the state has enough evidence to bring charges against the defendant and win a case in criminal court. Those who intend to fight the charges they face have to prepare for the prosecutor to present evidence during criminal trial.
What is the role of evidence during criminal proceedings?
Both sides present evidence to support their claims
Prosecutors present evidence gathered by state authorities in an attempt to connect the defendant to criminal acts improve they intended to break the law. They do so during the trial in accordance with certain standards. The goal is to convince a jury or judge of the defendant’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
The rules for court proceedings mandate that the state allow the defendant the right of discovery. The defense team should have access to any evidence the prosecutor intends to present before the trial begins. Therefore, the defense team can respond appropriately to the evidence that allegedly supports the charges.
In some cases, defense attorneys can exclude evidence by proving that police officers or others broke the law or violated the rights of a defendant in their efforts to gather evidence. Other times, the defense team may collect additional evidence in an attempt to re-frame the situation, show that there is another suspect or create a viable alibi for the defendant.
It may also be possible to bring in expert witnesses who can reevaluate evidence or show why there are issues with the state’s case. Evidence should prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the party accused broke the law. The defense may gather evidence that raises a reasonable doubt about someone’s involvement in criminal activity or their intent. Both sides may spend quite a bit of time gathering evidence and analyzing the evidence that they and the other side obtained.
Collecting and analyzing evidence is a crucial component of any successful criminal defense strategy. Defendants who understand the rules that govern evidence and criminal proceedings are in the best position possible to respond to pending charges.