A motion to suppress is filed by the defense team in a criminal case to challenge the admissibility of evidence in court on one or more legal grounds. It could be because the police obtained the evidence unlawfully, such as through an illegal search or a forced confession, or if the integrity of the evidence is questionable due to mistakes by law enforcement in handling it.
If the judge grants a motion to suppress, the affected evidence will be suppressed or excluded. Here is how this motion can help your case when facing criminal charges.
It can weaken the prosecution’s case
Suppressing crucial evidence can leave the prosecution with a weak case and unlikely to secure a conviction. In some instances, this could lead to reduced charges or a dismissal of your case. A potentially weak case may also lead to more favorable terms of a plea bargain since the prosecution may not want to risk going to trial.
It’s worth noting that a motion to suppress does not necessarily prevent a trial. The prosecution can proceed with the remaining evidence and possibly still get a conviction. The potential impact on your charges primarily rests on the significance of the suppressed evidence.
Suppressing evidence can significantly alter the direction of your criminal case, but the unique aspects of your situation will play a key role in the final outcome. Reaching out for qualified legal assistance can help you determine if there are valid legal reasons to suppress evidence while exploring other viable defense strategies. Additionally, navigating the formalities of filing such pre-trial motions and protecting your interests will be easier with proper guidance.