A criminal complaint might not result in charges, much less reach the Washington criminal courts, without evidence. “Evidence” is a catch-all term that describes information and facts that support the truth. Security camera footage of a bank robbery could provide definitive proof about who committed the crime. Video and photos represent two types of evidence, and there are more.
Examples of evidence
Photographic evidence may tell a tale, and an eyewitness could do the same. A person at the crime scene, such as the victim or a security guard, could provide testimony that a jury might find credible. Additional evidence may support the prosecution’s version of events. Blood stains, for example, could deliver DNA evidence that proves or disproves an accusation.
Hairs collected at the scene may provide DNA evidence as well. However, the hair samples would require the root for a proper DNA evaluation. Even without the roots, hair evidence could have value as a means of excluding a suspect from a crime.
Fingerprints and fibers might also provide valuable evidence in a case. Forensic professionals involved in law enforcement might locate and collect such evidence when called to the scene.
Concerns about evidence
Credible evidence may support a successful criminal defense approach. DNA and photographic evidence might exonerate a defendant. An eyewitness might be mistaken about what he or she saw or could be outright lying. Photographic evidence could be inconclusive when a suspect face appears obscured. Challenging weak evidence might put doubts into a jury’s mind.
Not all evidence is admissible in court, however. Evidence acquired without probable cause or a warrant could be inadmissible. If a police officer tampered with or planted evidence, the officer could even face criminal charges.
Defendants might discover that the prosecution has a weaker case than imagined if the evidence does not stand up. When trying to avoid a conviction, it’s important to provide as much proof as possible that the defendant’s version of what happened is correct.
