How Does a Motion to Suppress Evidence Help in a Criminal Case?
In criminal law, “suppression” refers to the legal process of excluding certain evidence from being presented in a trial. This can be a powerful tool for defendants, as the exclusion of critical evidence could weaken or even destroy the prosecution’s case.
At the Joslyn Law Firm we often fight to have certain elements of a case suppressed such as breath tests in a DUI case, or video evidence in a shoplifting case when that evidence has not been collected in a legal and accurate way to help protect our clients rights. Understanding what suppression is, how it works, and how it can benefit a criminal defense, is important when facing criminal charges.
What Is a Motion to Suppress Evidence?
Suppression of evidence in criminal cases is a pretrial motion asking a judge to exclude evidence that was obtained in violation of a defendant’s constitutional rights, such as illegal searches under the Fourth Amendment or coerced statements under the Fifth Amendment. If the motion is granted, the evidence cannot be used at trial. Because suppressed evidence is often critical to the prosecution’s case, its exclusion can lead to reduced charges, favorable plea agreements, or even dismissal of the case.
Suppression is typically used to challenge the legality of evidence collected during the investigation phase of a criminal case. If evidence was obtained in violation of the defendant’s constitutional rights, such as an illegal search or seizure, then a defense attorney may file a motion to suppress that evidence. The most common grounds for suppression are violations of the Fourth, Fifth, and Sixth Amendments, which protect against unreasonable searches and seizures, self-incrimination, and violations of the right to a fair trial, respectively.
Key Grounds for Suppressing Evidence
Evidence may be excluded when it is considered unlawfully obtained or unreliable, including:
Unlawful search and seizure:
Evidence collected without a valid warrant, without probable cause, or outside the legal scope of a search.
Defective or invalid warrants:
Warrants based on false information, lacking specificity, or issued without sufficient probable cause.
Miranda rights violations:
Statements obtained without properly advising a suspect of their rights or continuing questioning after a request for an attorney.
Coerced or involuntary confessions:
Admissions obtained through threats, pressure, or improper interrogation tactics.
Fruit of the poisonous tree:
Evidence derived from an initial illegal action, making all related evidence inadmissible.
Chain of custody issues:
Breakdowns in how evidence is handled, stored, or documented that raise concerns about tampering or integrity.
Why Is Suppression of Evidence Important in Criminal Cases?
- Excluding Illegally Obtained Evidence: A defendant has the constitutional right to be free from unlawful searches and seizures. If evidence is obtained through an illegal search, it can be challenged in court. For example, if law enforcement officers conducted a search without a warrant or probable cause, any evidence seized during that search could be deemed inadmissible in court. The goal is to ensure that the prosecution does not benefit from evidence that was obtained in violation of the defendant’s rights.
- Preventing Coerced Confessions: Suppression is also used in cases where a confession is obtained through coercion or without a proper Miranda warning. For instance, if a suspect was not informed of their rights before being interrogated by the police, any statements they made during the interrogation could be suppressed.
- Impact on the Prosecution’s Case: Suppression can significantly weaken the prosecution’s case if it removes key pieces of evidence. If a key piece of evidence, such as physical evidence, a confession, or a witness statement, is suppressed, the prosecution may find itself without enough proof to convict. In some cases, this could lead to a case being dismissed altogether or a not-guilty verdict.
How Suppression of Evidence Impacts Criminal Cases
When evidence is suppressed, it cannot be presented to a judge or jury. This can significantly weaken the prosecution’s case, especially if the excluded evidence is central to proving guilt. In some situations, suppression results in charges being reduced or dismissed altogether. Defense attorneys often use motions to suppress as a key strategy to challenge unlawful police conduct and protect a defendant’s constitutional rights. It can help in the following ways;
- Striking at the Heart of the Prosecution’s Evidence: The most obvious benefit of suppression is that it can directly target the strongest evidence in the case. If the prosecution’s case depends on a specific piece of evidence that is suppressed, it could force the prosecution to reevaluate whether they can proceed with the case at all. For example, if the police illegally obtained a weapon used in a crime, suppressing the weapon could severely impact the prosecution’s ability to prove guilt.
- Creating Reasonable Doubt: Suppression of evidence can also create doubt in the minds of the jury. When the jury is aware that certain evidence was excluded from the case due to illegal actions by law enforcement, it could cause them to question the integrity of the investigation. This can lead to a stronger defense and may ultimately result in an acquittal.
- Leverage in Negotiations: In some cases, suppression motions can serve as a bargaining tool. If the prosecution knows that key evidence could be suppressed, they might be more inclined to offer a plea deal or drop charges entirely. By challenging the validity of the evidence early on, a defense attorney may be able to secure a more favorable outcome for their client.
Legal Requirements for Admissibility of Evidence in a Criminal Case in Ohio
For evidence to be used in a criminal case, it must meet specific legal standards:
Authentication:
Proof that the evidence is genuine and has not been altered.
Relevance:
The evidence must directly relate to the facts of the case and not be overly prejudicial.
Lawful collection:
Evidence must be obtained in compliance with constitutional protections and procedural rules.
Proper handling:
A clear chain of custody must be maintained from collection to presentation in court.
What Happens at a Motion to Suppress Hearing?
If suppression is a viable option, the defense attorney will file a motion to suppress the evidence before the trial begins. A hearing will be held where both sides present arguments about the legality of the evidence. The judge will then make a ruling. If the judge agrees that the evidence was unlawfully obtained, it will be suppressed, and the prosecution will not be allowed to use it in trial.
Contact An Experienced Criminal Attorney Near You in Ohio
Suppression is a powerful tool in the criminal defense arsenal. When used effectively, it can eliminate key pieces of evidence that the prosecution relies on, thereby increasing the likelihood of a favorable outcome. Whether it’s challenging an illegal search, coerced confession, or improper procedure, suppression motions provide defendants with a means to protect their constitutional rights and ensure a fair trial.
If you have been charged with a crime it is important to speak with an experienced criminal defense attorney in your area. They know how to use important strategies like suppression to make sure your rights are protected and to help you get the most favorable outcome possible. At the Joslyn Law Firm we have helped thousands of individuals facing charges of all kinds from misdemeanors to class 1 felonies. Contact our office today to schedule a free case consultation.
