Types of Evidence Useful For Criminal Defense in Florida
The defendant and prosecutor use evidence to bolster and support their point during criminal defense in Florida. Evidence is the focal point of any criminal case; it can take any form, such as electronic data, documents, eyewitness testimony, etc.
Evidence plays a crucial role in a court proceeding. It determines if the case goes to trial or a guilty verdict is given and the extent of penalty likely to be faced. Even though the evidence is used to prove a fact, not all evidence is found to be the same and valuable for a criminal matter.
What are the types of valuable evidence for criminal defense in Florida? Read on to find out.
What Are the Types of Evidence For Criminal Defense in Florida
Generally, evidence is categorized into 2; Direct evidence and Circumstantial evidence. Direct evidence points directly to the offender, leaving little or no doubt of the defender’s guilt. For instance, a CCTV camera captures the killing of a victim. This speaks directly about the offender, and there is no doubt that the defender is performing the act as it is seen.
Conversely, Circumstantial evidence links to the perpetrator, and it implies the involvement of the such person. The evidence has an element of doubt until proven, as it only suggests guilt and is not concrete. For instance, a witness may name a weapon used at a crime scene, and the defendant own a weapon that fits in, even though he wasn’t caught at the scene.
Under these categories, evidence for criminal defense in Florida can be divided into 4 main types;
1. Real Evidence
This is also known as physical evidence, and it involves actual items that can be touched and introduced to the judge at an alleged crime scene. It is usually brought into trial to prove or disprove some fact. However, it has to be material, authentic, and relevant before it can be used for trials. Examples include weapons, fingerprints, contraband, clothing, etc.
2. Demonstrative Evidence
The purpose of this evidence is to show or illustrate the testimony of how a crime occurred in a trial. Using a diagram, chats, models, videos, pictures, etc., falls here.
3. Documentary evidence For Criminal Defense in Florida
As the name implies, it involves using any document in a trial. Examples include; records, letters, legal documents, copies of bank statements, personal diaries, legal contracts, and so on. Documentary evidence can be obtained from different sources; however, it has to be relevant before it can be introduced as a piece of evidence.
4. Testimonial Evidence
This involves the testimony of an eyewitness. The witness will have to swear to tell the truth under oath. However, if the witness’s testimony is false, the witness is liable for perjury.
It is best to engage a capable criminal defense attorney in Florida to help find and present your evidences for the best possible outcome.
