Law Enforcement Mistakes That Could Get You Dismissed
It is indeed scary and embarrassing when the cops arrest you. But just because you were arrested doesn’t mean you’re convicted of a crime. In fact, if the police make even the smallest of mistakes while arresting, it could turn the whole case in your favor!
However, only an experienced Pittsburgh criminal lawyer can identify these mistakes and help you get your case dismissed. That’s why we at Logue Law Group advise everyone to get in touch with us when encountering such situations.
That being said, let’s explore this blog to find out some common errors by the police, and understand how such mistakes can turn the case over.
Common Errors that Might Dismiss Your Charges
Lack of reasonable suspicion
If the cops try to stop you, remember that they can’t be random about it! They must have a reasonable suspicion that you were involved in some criminal activity to order you to stop.
And if they don’t have any reasonable suspicion, any type of evidence that they collect can be challenged by your attorney. In fact, an unlawful stop might also get your charges dismissed!
Illegally obtained evidence
The Fourth Amendment clearly deters the cops from unlawful search or seizure. This means that the cops have to have either a warrant, your consent, or an exigent situation to search you or your property. If they violate this rule, the evidence they gather will remain inadmissible in the court!
Having a Pittsburgh criminal lawyer puts you at an advantage in such a situation. The professional can review how the evidence was obtained and can also challenge illegal searches effectively, thereby leading to a dismissal.
Mishandled evidence
A piece of evidence becomes admissible in court when it has been handled and documented correctly. This entire procedure is called ‘chain of custody,’ and any disruption in this chain can raise questions about the presented evidence.
If the cops have mishandled a piece of evidence, your legal representative might call it unreliable, thereby leading to a dismissal.
Lack of probable cause for arrest
To arrest an individual, the cops should have probable cause that makes them believe that the individual has committed a crime. And to do this, they require evidence, not suspicion!
So, if the cops arrest you, a Pittsburgh criminal lawyer will first examine the case to see if there was a lack of probable cause for the arrest. And if they find one, they can move forward with a motion to suppress any evidence by giving unlawful arrest as the cause.
Why Do You Need to Hire a Lawyer?
If you’re being arrested, you need a legal representative to back you up. So, here are some of the reasons why hiring a Pittsburgh criminal lawyer is mandatory-
- They can look into your case and determine if there are any mistakes committed by the cops.
- They can file a motion to suppress evidence or dismiss charges on favorable grounds.
- They can negotiate with the prosecution to extract a favorable outcome.
- If your case proceeds to a trial, a lawyer can represent you in court.
Also, keep in mind that just because you were arrested doesn’t mean that you are guilty of a crime! So, make sure to call us at 412-387-6901 and schedule a free consultation ASAP if you face such a situation!