{"id":352253,"date":"2023-11-01T23:55:31","date_gmt":"2023-11-02T04:55:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/criminal\/criminal-procedure\/criminal-evidence.html"},"modified":"2023-11-01T23:55:31","modified_gmt":"2023-11-02T04:55:31","slug":"criminal-evidence","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/criminal\/criminal-procedure\/criminal-evidence.html","title":{"rendered":"Criminal Evidence"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 fl-sectionWithSidebar fl-container fl-flex fl-flex-wrap fl-gap30\">\n    \n    <div class=\"fl-page-articles fl-section-main fl-section-main-full-width\">\n        <h1 class=\"fl-no-margin-top\">Criminal Evidence<\/h1>\n<section class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline\">\n    <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-content\">\n                    By <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/sarah-williams-j-d\/\">Sarah Williams, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by <a\n                href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/melissa-bender-esq\/\">Melissa Bender, Esq.<\/a>\n                | Last updated\n        <time>\n                            November 01, 2023\n                    <\/time>\n    <\/div>\n\n    \n    <details class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle fl-gutenberg-byline-legally-reviewed\">\n        <summary>\n            <i class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n            Legally Reviewed\n        <\/summary>\n\n        <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle-content\">\n            <p><em>This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team.html\">FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/company-history\/editorial-policy.html\">our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/details>\n\n    <details class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle fl-gutenberg-byline-fast-checked\">\n        <summary>\n            <i class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n            Fact-Checked\n        <\/summary>\n\n        <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle-content\">\n            <p><em>The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/contributing-authors.html\">contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/?fli=bylinelink\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/details>\n<\/section>\n    <div class=\"fl-callout-text article-blockquote\">\n        <p>In the criminal justice system, the outcome of many criminal law cases will depend on the strength and admissibility of evidence. Refuting evidence and introducing new evidence is often a large part of a defense case.<\/p>\n\n    <\/div>\n\n<p>Evidence can be complex, but this article will help make sense of the different rules and concepts surrounding evidence in criminal prosecution. Below, you will find information on admissibility, witness testimony, using scientific evidence in district court, and more.<\/p>\n<p>In a criminal case, the defense attorney will look at the evidence to identify what kind of strategy to pursue. That&#8217;s why getting advice from a <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/criminal-law\/?fli=dcta\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">criminal defense lawyer<\/a>&nbsp;is helpful before addressing the evidence against you.<\/p>\n<h2>What Is Criminal Evidence?<\/h2>\n<p>Evidence is information that suggests a fact about a criminal case. This information might help prove whether a person committed the crime in question. The judge or jury relies on evidence and criminal laws to decide the case.<\/p>\n<p>Types of evidence in criminal cases that are introduced at a jury trial include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Physical evidence (objects, clothing, etc.)<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/criminal\/criminal-procedure\/scientific-and-forensic-evidence.html\">Scientific and forensic<\/a> evidence (DNA, ballistics, etc.)<\/li>\n<li>Witness testimony (crime victims, law enforcement officers, etc.)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Evidence is a central part of your due process rights under the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/criminal\/criminal-rights\/u-s-constitution-fifth-amendment.html\">Fifth Amendment<\/a>. For a criminal conviction, the evidence must <a href=\"https:\/\/constitution.findlaw.com\/amendment5\/annotation15.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">prove the defendant&#8217;s guilt<\/a> beyond a reasonable doubt. You also have certain legal protections against&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/criminal\/criminal-rights\/fifth-amendment-right-against-self-incrimination.html\">self-incrimination<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h2>Admissible Evidence<\/h2>\n<p>For evidence to be admissible in criminal proceedings, it must be:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Relevant:<\/b>&nbsp;To be relevant, evidence must reasonably help prove or disprove some fact. The judge, grand jury, or trial jury weighs the evidence based on how much it increases or decreases the likelihood of the fact.<\/li>\n<li><b>Material:&nbsp;<\/b>Evidence is material if offered to prove a fact in dispute.<\/li>\n<li><b>Competent:&nbsp;<\/b>A court rules evidence is competent if it falls within specific reliability standards.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>This standard applies to court proceedings in civil cases as well.&nbsp;Learn more about the&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/criminal\/criminal-procedure\/evidence-the-concept-of-admissibility.html\">admissibility of evidence<\/a>&nbsp;and how these rules are interpreted and applied.<\/p>\n<h2>Suppressed Evidence<\/h2>\n<p>Otherwise-admissible evidence is suppressible when it has been illegally obtained. Such as in a violation of a criminal defendant&#8217;s constitutional rights. For example, evidence obtained without a search warrant or probable cause. Despite a defendant&#8217;s guilt, a defense attorney would likely win a motion to suppress the wrongly obtained evidence.<\/p>\n<p>Evidence produced as a result of the following may get suppressed:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>An unlawful <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/criminal\/criminal-rights\/search-seizure.html\">search and seizure<\/a><\/li>\n<li>The failure to read <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/criminal\/criminal-rights\/miranda-warnings-and-police-questioning.html\">Miranda rights<\/a><\/li>\n<li>A broken chain of custody<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Any evidence produced due to these flawed circumstances is the &quot;fruit of the poisonous tree.&quot;<\/p>\n<p>But, evidence may still be admitted under the following conditions:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Where it would have been inevitably discovered<\/li>\n<li>The officer was acting in good faith<\/li>\n<li>An independent source would have produced the same evidence<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>What Is Hearsay Evidence?<\/h2>\n<p>Hearsay describes when a witness repeats a third-party, out-of-court statement in court to prove the truth of the statement itself. For example, &quot;My neighbor told me he saw her attack the victim.&quot; Generally, hearsay is not admissible due to its unreliability.<\/p>\n<p>But the&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.law.cornell.edu\/rules\/fre\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Federal Rules of Evidence<\/a>&nbsp;provide exceptions to the hearsay rule. The Federal Rules of Evidence (FRE) list 24 exceptions. This includes a catch-all rule.<\/p>\n<p>Hearsay evidence that doesn&#8217;t otherwise fit into the exceptions is still admissible if:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>It has sound guarantees of trustworthiness<\/li>\n<li>It helps prove a material fact<\/li>\n<li>It is more probative than other similar reasonably obtainable evidence<\/li>\n<li>It would forward the cause of justice<\/li>\n<li>All parties have been notified that it will be offered as evidence<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Learn more about&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/criminal\/criminal-procedure\/hearsay-evidence.html\">hearsay evidence<\/a>&nbsp;and the unique circumstances in which it&#8217;s considered in court.<\/p>\n<h2>Character Evidence in Criminal Trials<\/h2>\n<p>Character evidence is usually not permitted in criminal court to show a person is likely guilty. It also can&#8217;t be used to show that the person acted in conformity with that character trait on a particular occasion. For example, a person&#8217;s reputation for exaggeration or lying is not admissible as evidence that the person committed fraud.<\/p>\n<p>There are some limited circumstances when character evidence is allowable. For example,&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.law.cornell.edu\/rules\/fre\/rule_608\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">FRE 608<\/a>&nbsp;allows attacks on the witness&#8217;s credibility. When this happens, evidence of their character for truthfulness or untruthfulness is then introduced on cross-examination.<\/p>\n<p>At the sentencing stage, character evidence is often introduced. Here, it is not to prove guilt but rather to argue for leniency or strictness in punishment. Criminal defense attorneys will submit evidence of a defendant&#8217;s good character. Witnesses attest to their favorable qualities, such as kindness, generosity, and community service.<\/p>\n<p>The district attorney (prosecutors) will introduce the defendant&#8217;s negative criminal record to argue for a stricter sentence. Suppose a defendant faces a criminal charge for assault and gets convicted. Any prior assaultive conduct is highly relevant at sentencing. For example, prior criminal convictions such as misdemeanor or felony cases of domestic violence would likely result in a longer sentence or harsher penalty.<\/p>\n<p>Civil suits have similar rules, but exceptions exist, especially in defamation suits and others where character is potentially central to the claim. Additionally, under&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.law.cornell.edu\/rules\/fre\/rule_406\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">FRE 406<\/a>, habit rather than character is admissible as evidence when it is:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Specific<\/li>\n<li>Regular<\/li>\n<li>Consistently repeated<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>An individual&#8217;s habit is more specific than character because it&#8217;s almost semi-automatic. An organization&#8217;s routine practice, for example, a document retention policy, is admissible to show the company acted in accordance with the habit or routine practice.<\/p>\n<p>Learn more about&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/criminal\/criminal-procedure\/character-as-evidence.html\">character evidence<\/a>,&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/criminal\/criminal-procedure\/evidence-the-concept-of-admissibility.html\">the concept of admissibility<\/a>, and other issues that affect a criminal case in the pretrial, plea bargaining, and trial phases.<\/p>\n<h2>Scientific and Forensic Evidence<\/h2>\n<p>Scientific and forensic evidence is objective and unbiased information that helps prove or disprove a fact using peer-reviewed professional and academic standards. There are many kinds of scientific evidence admitted to criminal courts, including:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Fingerprints<\/li>\n<li>Fiber analysis<\/li>\n<li>DNA and other blood evidence<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Any scientific evidence produced at trial must be well established within the scientific community and generally accepted as true before assertion at trial. Fingerprint and DNA matching are reasonably well-understood, but there are times when less established kinds of scientific evidence get introduced.<\/p>\n<h2>Expert Testimony as Criminal Evidence<\/h2>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.law.cornell.edu\/rules\/fre\/rule_702\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">FRE 702<\/a>&nbsp;governs testimony by expert witnesses. A witness qualifies as an expert by knowledge, skill, experience, training, or education.<\/p>\n<p>The witness can provide testimony in the form of opinion where:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>The expert&#8217;s scientific, technical, or other specialized knowledge will help the trier of fact to understand the evidence or to determine a fact in issue<\/li>\n<li>The testimony is based on sufficient facts or data<\/li>\n<li>The testimony is the product of reliable principles and methods<\/li>\n<li>The expert has reliably applied the principles and methods to the facts of the case.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Often, the prosecution and defense will attempt to introduce expert testimony to bolster their interpretation of scientific evidence to either get an acquittal or a conviction. When necessary, an evidentiary hearing on the validity of a scientific theory takes place before the trial on the merits of the principal case.<\/p>\n<p>Two&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.expertinstitute.com\/resources\/insights\/daubert-vs-frye-navigating-the-standards-of-admissibility-for-expert-testimony\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">primary standards<\/a>&nbsp;govern the admissibility of an expert witness: the&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/dictionary.findlaw.com\/definition\/frye-test.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Frye and Daubert<\/a>&nbsp;standards. In 1923, in&nbsp;<i>Frye v. United States<\/i>, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit established a rule that the results of a scientific test are admissible as evidence only when the test or procedure has gained general acceptance in the scientific community as reliable (peer-reviewed).<\/p>\n<p>However, in 1993, the Supreme Court held in<i>&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/caselaw.findlaw.com\/court\/us-supreme-court\/509\/579.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Daubert v. Merrell Dow Pharmaceuticals<\/a><\/i>&nbsp;that the FRE superseded the Frye test. Scientific evidence (such as expert testimony) must meet only the factors listed above for admissibility.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2>Learn More About Criminal Evidence From a Criminal Defense Attorney<\/h2>\n<p>Law enforcement agencies use various investigative methods that must stand scrutiny at both the criminal trial and appellate level. Each side will attempt to undermine the other, and the defense will highlight weak evidence to raise reasonable doubt.<\/p>\n<p>In the face of unfavorable evidence, an experienced defense attorney can:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Negotiate a guilty plea and a favorable plea agreement<\/li>\n<li>Highlight constitutional and criminal procedure violations (e.g., self-incrimination)<\/li>\n<li>Emphasize weaknesses in the prosecution&#8217;s case during the opening statement<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>If you have questions about your criminal case, talk to an&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/criminal-law\/?fli=dcta\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">attorney<\/a>&nbsp;in your area. An attorney can advocate for you from the first court date (arraignment) and request a speedy trial date.<\/p>\n<div class=\"was-this-helpful\">\n    <div\n            class=\"was-this-helpful__question-container\"\n            aria-labelledby=\"was-this-helpful__question\"\n            role=\"group\"\n    >\n        <span\n                id=\"was-this-helpful__question\"\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__question fl-text-lg-bold\"\n        >Was this helpful?<\/span>\n        <button\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__button fl-text-sm\"\n                aria-label=\"Yes\"\n                value=\"yes\"\n        >\n            <span class=\"was-this-helpful__button-text fl-text-bold\">Yes<\/span>\n            <i class=\"was-this-helpful__button-icon\">\n                <svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" viewBox=\"0 0 22 22\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n                    <g id=\"thumbs-up\" clip-path=\"url(#clip0_604_3418)\">\n                        <path id=\"Vector\"\n                              d=\"M6 21H3C2.46957 21 1.96086 20.7893 1.58579 20.4142C1.21071 20.0391 1 19.5304 1 19V12C1 11.4696 1.21071 10.9609 1.58579 10.5858C1.96086 10.2107 2.46957 10 3 10H6M13 8V4C13 3.20435 12.6839 2.44129 12.1213 1.87868C11.5587 1.31607 10.7956 1 10 1L6 10V21H17.28C17.7623 21.0055 18.2304 20.8364 18.5979 20.524C18.9654 20.2116 19.2077 19.7769 19.28 19.3L20.66 10.3C20.7035 10.0134 20.6842 9.72068 20.6033 9.44225C20.5225 9.16382 20.3821 8.90629 20.1919 8.68751C20.0016 8.46873 19.7661 8.29393 19.5016 8.17522C19.2371 8.0565 18.9499 7.99672 18.66 8H13Z\"\n                              stroke=\"#666666\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\"\n                              stroke-linejoin=\"round\"><\/path>\n                    <\/g>\n                    <defs>\n                        <clipPath id=\"clip0_604_3418\">\n                            <rect width=\"22\" height=\"22\" fill=\"white\"><\/rect>\n                        <\/clipPath>\n                    <\/defs>\n                <\/svg>\n            <\/i>\n        <\/button>\n        <button\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__button fl-text-sm\"\n                aria-label=\"No\"\n                value=\"no\"\n        >\n            <span class=\"was-this-helpful__button-text fl-text-bold\">No<\/span>\n            <i class=\"was-this-helpful__button-icon\">\n                <svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" viewBox=\"0 0 22 22\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n                    <g id=\"thumbs-down\" clip-path=\"url(#clip0_604_3423)\">\n                        <path id=\"Vector\"\n                              d=\"M16 0.999995H18.67C19.236 0.989986 19.7859 1.18813 20.2154 1.55681C20.645 1.9255 20.9242 2.43905 21 3V10C20.9242 10.5609 20.645 11.0745 20.2154 11.4432C19.7859 11.8119 19.236 12.01 18.67 12H16M9.00003 14V18C9.00003 18.7956 9.3161 19.5587 9.87871 20.1213C10.4413 20.6839 11.2044 21 12 21L16 12V0.999995H4.72003C4.2377 0.994543 3.76965 1.16359 3.40212 1.47599C3.0346 1.78839 2.79235 2.22309 2.72003 2.7L1.34003 11.7C1.29652 11.9866 1.31586 12.2793 1.39669 12.5577C1.47753 12.8362 1.61793 13.0937 1.80817 13.3125C1.99842 13.5313 2.23395 13.7061 2.49846 13.8248C2.76297 13.9435 3.05012 14.0033 3.34003 14H9.00003Z\"\n                              stroke=\"#666666\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"\/>\n                    <\/g>\n                    <defs>\n                        <clipPath id=\"clip0_604_3423\">\n                            <rect width=\"22\" height=\"22\" fill=\"white\"\/>\n                        <\/clipPath>\n                    <\/defs>\n                <\/svg>\n            <\/i>\n        <\/button>\n    <\/div>\n    <span class=\"was-this-helpful__taken-action fl-text-sm-bold\"><\/span>\n    <div class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-container\">\n        <div class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message\" role=\"status\">\n            <p class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message-text\"><\/p>\n        <\/div>\n        <form class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-form\">\n            <div class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback was-this-helpful__feedback--positive\">\n                <fieldset>\n                    <legend class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\" tabindex=\"0\">Why was this helpful?<\/legend>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--understandable\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"positive-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Easy to understand\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--understandable\"\n                        >Easy to understand<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--solved-problem\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"positive-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Solved my problem\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--solved-problem\"\n                        >Solved my problem<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--other\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"positive-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Other\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--other\"\n                        >Other<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/fieldset>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback was-this-helpful__feedback--negative\">\n                <fieldset>\n                    <legend class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\" tabindex=\"0\">Why was this not helpful?<\/legend>\n                    <div class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message\" role=\"status\">\n                        <p class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message-text\"><\/p>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--missing-info\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Missing Information\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--missing-info\"\n                        >Missing the information I need<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--complicated\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Too complicated\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--complicated\"\n                        >Too complicated \/ too many steps<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--dated\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Out of date\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--dated\"\n                        >Out of date<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--negative-other\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Other\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--negative-other\"\n                        >Other<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/fieldset>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"was-this-helpful__form-buttons-container\">\n                <button\n                    class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-button was-this-helpful__feedback-button--positive at-feedback-submit fl-button secondary\"\n                    type=\"submit\"\n                >\n                    <span class=\"fl-button-content\">Submit<\/span>\n                    <i\n                        class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\"\n                        aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                    ><\/i>\n                <\/button>\n                <button\n                    class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-button was-this-helpful__feedback-button--cancel fl-button primary disabled\"\n                    type=\"reset\"\n                >\n                    <span class=\"fl-button-content\">Cancel<\/span>\n                    <i\n                        class=\"fa fa-times-circle medium\"\n                        aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                    ><\/i>\n                <\/button>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/form>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message\" role=\"status\">\n        <i class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message-icon fa fa-check\"><\/i>\n        <p class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message-text\" aria-live=\"polite\"><\/p>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n    <\/div>\n    \n    <div class=\"fl-section-sidebar\">\n        <div class=\"fl-editors-summary\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary\">\n    \n    <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content\">\n                    <h2>Can I Solve This on My Own or Do I Need an Attorney?<\/h2>\n                <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content-main\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-main\">\n            \n        <\/div>\n        <ul class=\"fl-list-style-none\">\n                            <li data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-item\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-check medium fl-editors-summary-content-item-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    Complex criminal defense situations usually require a lawyer\n\n                <\/li>\n                            <li data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-item\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-check medium fl-editors-summary-content-item-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    Defense attorneys can help protect your rights\n\n                <\/li>\n                            <li data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-item\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-check medium fl-editors-summary-content-item-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    A lawyer can seek to reduce or eliminate criminal penalties\n\n                <\/li>\n                    <\/ul>\n                    <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content-description\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-description\">\n                <p>Get tailored advice and ask your legal questions. Many attorneys offer free consultations.<\/p>\n\n            <\/div>\n                            <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content-link fl-flex\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-link\">\n                <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                <p class=\"find-attorney\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/criminal-law\/#USER_GEO\/?fli=esum\" title=\"Criminal Defense Lawyer Directory\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">If you need an attorney, find one right now.<\/a><\/p>\n\n            <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"email-subscription fl-mb30\">\n    <div class=\"email-subscription-header\">\n        <div class=\"email-subscription-header-content\">\n            <h3 class=\"fl-callout-sm fl-no-margin\">Stay Up-to-Date With How the Law Affects Your Life<\/h3>\n        <\/div>\n        <div class=\"email-subscription-header-image fl-flex fl-items-end\">\n            <img decoding=\"async\"\n                src=\"https://www.findlaw.com/static/c/images\/images\/w_1200,c_limit,dpr_auto\/f_auto,q_auto:eco\/v1745902396\/ability-law\/wp-prod\/general-components-subscribe-module-Image-subscribeModule_1\/general-components-subscribe-module-Image-subscribeModule_1.png?_i=AA\"\n                alt=\"\"\n                loading=\"lazy\"\n            \/>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n\n    <div class=\"email-subscription-content fl-flex fl-flex-wrap\">\n        <div class=\"email-subscription-content-text fl-mb25\">\n            <h4 class=\"fl-no-margin\">Enter your email address to subscribe<\/h4>\n        <\/div>\n\n        <form class=\"email-subscription-content-form\">\n            <input type=\"hidden\" name=\"distributionList\" value=\"latl\" \/>\n            <label for=\"email-subscription-content-form-group-input\" class=\"fl-text-sm-bold\">Email (Required)<\/label>\n            <div class=\"email-subscription-content-form-group\">\n                <input id=\"email-subscription-content-form-group-input\" name=\"email\" autocomplete=\"email\"\/>\n                <button type=\"submit\" aria-label=\"Submit\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                <\/button>\n            <\/div>\n            <p class=\"email-subscription-content-form-success subscribe-success-message fl-text-sm-bold\" aria-hidden=\"true\" role=\"status\">Thank you for subscribing!<\/p>\n            <p class=\"email-subscription-content-form-error subscribe-error-message fl-text-sm-bold\" role=\"alert\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/p>\n\n            <div id=\"email-subscription-content-form-recaptcha\" class=\"email-subscription-content-form-recaptcha subscribe-recaptcha\"\n                data-sitekey=\"0x4AAAAAAABGBEkK9kEeKxO-\"><\/div>\n        <\/form>\n\n        <div class=\"email-subscription-content-footer fl-text-sm\">\n            <p><a href=\"https:\/\/newsletters.findlaw.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Learn more about FindLaw\u2019s newsletters<\/a>, including our terms of use and privacy policy.<\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"general-list\">\n    <h3>Helpful Links<\/h3>\n    <ul class=\"fl-list fl-no-margin\">\n                                    <li class=\"fl-list-item fl-flex\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    <a class=\"fl-list-item-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/criminal\/expungement.html\">\n                        Expunging Criminal Records\n                    <\/a>\n                <\/li>\n                                                <li class=\"fl-list-item fl-flex\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    <a class=\"fl-list-item-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/criminal\/criminal-charges.html\">\n                        List of Criminal Charges\n                    <\/a>\n                <\/li>\n                                                <li class=\"fl-list-item fl-flex\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    <a class=\"fl-list-item-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/criminal\/criminal-rights.html\">\n                        Rights for Suspects\n                    <\/a>\n                <\/li>\n                        <\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n    <div class=\"popularDirectory\">\n        <div class=\"general-popular-directory \">\n            <div class=\"general-popular-directory-title\">\n                <h3>Attorney Directory<\/h3>\n            <\/div>\n            <ul>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/criminal-law\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Criminal Lawyers<\/a><\/li>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/domestic-violence\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Domestic Violence Lawyers<\/a><\/li>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/drug-crime\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Drug Crime Lawyers<\/a><\/li>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/dui-dwi\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">DUI\/DWI Lawyers<\/a><\/li>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/sex-crime\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Sex Offenses Lawyers<\/a><\/li>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/litigation-appeals\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Litigation and Appeals Lawyers<\/a><\/li>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/white-collar-crimes\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">White Collar Crimes Lawyers<\/a><\/li>\n                            <\/ul>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n\n\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The outcome of criminal cases depends upon the strength and admissibility of different types of evidence. Learn more about this at FindLaw.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":41135,"featured_media":0,"parent":352235,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"app\/Http\/Controllers\/Templates\/ArticleWithBreadcrumbsController.php","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_stopmodifiedupdate":true,"_modified_date":"","_autodraft_ids":[],"_cloudinary_featured_overwrite":false,"_sb_is_suggestion_mode":false,"_sb_show_suggestion_boards":false,"_sb_show_comment_boards":false,"_sb_suggestion_history":"","_sb_update_block_changes":"","_is_real_time_mode":false,"_realtime_collaborators":"","footnotes":"","cf_checklist_status":[]},"categories":[2729],"tags":[],"state_laws_tags":[],"flmsa":[],"class_list":["post-352253","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry","category-criminal"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/352253","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/41135"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=352253"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/352253\/revisions"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/352235"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=352253"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=352253"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=352253"},{"taxonomy":"state_laws_tags","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/state_laws_tags?post=352253"},{"taxonomy":"flmsa","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/flmsa?post=352253"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}