Fighting For My Reputation

How Criminal Cases View and Use Different Types of Evidence

11 December 2019

Luke Warren

Evidence can either convict or free a person. If you are facing a criminal charge and are wondering how evidence works in cases, here are several things you should know as you begin preparing for your trial.

Evidence Can Only Be Used If It Is Considered Admissible

In courtrooms, there are strict rules as to what types of evidence can and cannot be used in cases. These rules have developed over the years from other cases that have taken place in courtrooms, and they are designed to give defendants fair trials. For evidence to be used in court, it must be considered admissible evidence, and this type of evidence is extremely factual. There might be other types of evidence available relating to your case that cannot be used in court, and these types are considered inadmissible. Inadmissible evidence is not factual enough for courts to rely on it as evidence in a case.

Types of Evidence That Is Admissible

When evidence is admissible, it means that prosecutors and defense attorneys can use it in court to prove their cases, and there are many types of evidence that fall into this category. One common type is DNA evidence. When police recover DNA from a crime scene, they can test it and use it as evidence in a case. Another type of evidence that is admissible is physical evidence, which can be any type of evidence found on a crime scene. Witness testimony is also a type of evidence that is generally permitted in criminal cases; however, lawyers will often fight this by trying to prove that a witness's testimony is not credible.

Types of Evidence That Is Not Admissible

There are also a variety of types of evidence that is always inadmissible in court, and the results of a polygraph test are a prime example of this type of evidence. While polygraphs can offer accurate results, they are not scientific enough to offer facts that are absolutely 100% correct. Hearsay is another example of evidence that inadmissible, and hearsay refers to what one person says another person said.

The evidence available in your case can make a big difference in how your case ends up. Luckily, you don't have to navigate the process alone. If you have any questions about the evidence for your case, make sure you talk to a violent crime defense attorney as you prepare for your trial.

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