The American legal system is set up to presume innocence before a guilty verdict is decided. This allows all possible factors to be examined before putting a person behind bars. Serious criminal offenses must pass several obstacles created by the defense before a final decision is made. Many people facing felony charges are wrought with anxiety over each step of the defense process. However, a large part of the process is establishing guilt or innocence based on evidence.
Evidence is a crucial aspect for every person facing criminal charges. And it is important to understand the various types of evidence that are permissible in the courtroom. It is important to note that any evidence obtained illegally (i.e. police searches made without following legal protocol, etc.) is not valid and therefore cannot be used against a person in court.
Here are the four major types of evidence:
- Physical evidence - actual pieces of physical evidence that are associated with the crime (i.e. gun, knife, clothing, etc.)
- Simulation or demonstration of what happened as depicted in a visual display.
- Documentation - This could include written letters, digital information (text messages, videos, social media posts, etc.)
- Eye witness testimony - Verbal testimony of eyewitnesses to the crime or person in association with the criminal events.
Knowing the types of evidence may help you when you speak with an attorney related to a serious criminal charge. There are many layers and directions that a case can take whenever serious consequences are at stake. It is always best to seek high-quality legal representation when your rights and future are being threatened by the legal system.
Every person has a right to an attorney and a fair trial. Now is the time to become knowledgeable about your rights and what you can do to help your case be defended by the right person and handled fairly.
