The prosecution may have a lot of dirt on you when you are facing criminal charges, and you might think the case against you is rock solid. However, not everything the prosecution has against you is admissible in court. In other words, some evidence cannot be used against you when your case goes on trial.
First in line is illegally obtained evidence. If the police violated your rights to acquire the evidence, the court may rule it inadmissible. For example, if you were subjected to an unlawful search by law enforcement, the evidence they got cannot be used against you in court since it is against the law. The Constitution protects you from unlawful searches and seizures.
Similarly, if the police forgot to read your Miranda rights when questioning you under arrest, the statements you make cannot be used to prove your guilt. You have a right to know that anything you say can be used against you in court. The same applies to evidence obtained under duress. A confession obtained under coercion is inadmissible in court.
How is inadmissible evidence concluded?
A lot happens behind the scenes before a person is tried in court. For instance, there are pre-trial motions where the defense gets the chance to suppress inadmissible evidence in court. The judge rules on these motions before the trial begins, which is the point where evidence gets excluded.
Why is this important?
Suppressing evidence from your case can considerably weaken the prosecution’s case against you. Remember, you cannot be convicted unless your guilt is proven beyond a reasonable doubt. If the suppressed evidence is crucial to achieving a guilty verdict, it can result in an acquittal should the prosecution proceed to trial.
If the prosecution fronts a plea deal and the case against you is weak, it can give you some leverage to negotiate fairer terms. Don’t assume the evidence against you is airtight. Seeking legal guidance can help you understand your rights, safeguard your interests and build a strong defense.