Challenging Evidence in Criminal Cases
How Criminal Defense Challenges Prosecution Evidence
There are many strategies for defending against criminal charges, and one common approach is to challenge the evidence the prosecution presents against you. This is no simple task, especially because the prosecutor will be working to present persuasive evidence to obtain a conviction whenever possible.
At the Law Office of Richard F. Matthews, Jr., we understand the steps in challenging evidence and the importance of examining this possibility in every criminal matter we handle. Contact our Alabama criminal defense lawyer today to discuss your arrest and/or charges.
The Importance of Challenging a Prosecutor's Evidence Against You
When faced with criminal charges, the prosecution must prove your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt to convict you of a crime. They do so by presenting evidence of your guilt to the court. By successfully challenging their evidence, you can weaken their case significantly and cast doubt in the minds of the judge or jury. If there is reasonable doubt in their minds, you should not be convicted.
Experienced Alabama criminal defense attorney Matt Matthews can identify weaknesses in the prosecutor's evidence and strategize the best defense for your case.
Challenging Forensic Evidence
Chain of Custody
One common strategy for challenging forensic evidence is questioning the chain of custody. This involves examining the documented trail of where the evidence has been since its collection. Any gaps or inconsistencies in the chain of custody can raise doubts about the integrity of the evidence and its admissibility in court.
Mishandling Evidence in Forensic Labs
Forensic evidence is often key in criminal cases, but it is not infallible. Errors or misconduct in forensic labs can compromise the validity of the evidence. By challenging the handling and analysis of forensic evidence, your attorney can cast doubt on its reliability and credibility.
Challenging Witness Testimony
Depositions
Depositions are pre-trial testimonies given under oath outside of court. By conducting depositions of witnesses, your attorney can uncover discrepancies or inconsistencies in their statements. Challenging witness testimony through depositions can weaken the prosecution's case and bolster your defense.
Cross-Examinations
During trial, cross-examining witnesses allows your attorney to challenge their credibility and poke holes in their testimony. Skilled cross-examinations can expose biases, motivations, or inaccuracies in witness statements, undermining the prosecution's case against you.
Getting Illegally Obtained Evidence Suppressed
Sometimes, evidence against you is obtained illegally, such as through an unlawful search or seizure or following an illegal traffic stop or arrest. If your defense lawyer identifies constitutional violations of your rights, it may be possible for them to have that evidence suppressed by the criminal judge. Suppressing illegally obtained evidence requires technical legal arguments and motions, but if successful, it can significantly weaken the prosecution's case and increase your chances of a favorable outcome.
Consult An Alabama Criminal Defense Attorney As Soon As Possible
Challenging evidence in a criminal case requires legal experience and knowledge of evidentiary and criminal laws. An Alabama criminal defense attorney from the Law Office of Richard F. Matthews, Jr. can provide you with the knowledgeable guidance and aggressive representation you need.
Don't wait to seek legal help; contact us today to protect your rights and challenge the evidence against you.
The information you obtain at this site is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice. You should consult an attorney for advice regarding your individual situation. We invite you to contact us and welcome your calls, letters and electronic mail. Contacting us does not create an attorney-client relationship. Please do not send any confidential information to us until such time as an attorney-client relationship has been established. These recoveries and testimonials are not an indication of future results. Every case is different, and regardless of what friends, family, or other individuals may say about what a case is worth, each case must be evaluated on its own facts and circumstances as they apply to the law. The valuation of a case depends on the facts, the injuries, the jurisdiction, the venue, the witnesses, the parties, and the testimony, among other factors. No representation is made that the quality of the legal services to be performed is greater than the quality of legal services performed by other lawyers.
The Law Office of Richard F. Matthews, Jr. serves Montgomery County, Pike County, Elmore County, Autauga County, the River Region of Alabama and throughout the State of Alabama, including Montgomery, Troy, Wetumpka Prattville, Selma and Tuskegee. No attorney-client relationship is established by requesting a consultation or emailing Attorney Richard F. Matthews, Jr.. Information submitted in such communication is not privileged and may be subject to disclosure.
