The Importance of Proper Evidence Handling in Criminal Cases

In any criminal case, evidence can shape the outcome. A fingerprint, text, or video might seem strong until it is mishandled. When evidence is not properly managed, it can lead to wrongful convictions or result in charges being dismissed. That is why proper collection, storage, and use of evidence is so important.

At the Law Offices of William W. Bruzzo, we have spent over 30 years challenging flawed or poorly handled evidence in Orange County courts. If you are facing charges, a knowledgeable Orange County, CA criminal defense lawyer can protect your rights and identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.

Why Evidence Handling Matters in Criminal Defense

Proper evidence handling is essential in any criminal case. Each piece of evidence must be collected, stored, and transferred according to strict legal procedures, often called the chain of custody. 

This process helps ensure the evidence remains reliable and admissible in court. If an item is lost, tampered with, or contaminated, it can seriously undermine its credibility. In many cases, improper handling leads to motions to suppress the evidence, which can significantly weaken the prosecution’s case, sometimes enough to have the c

Common Types of Evidence in Criminal Cases

Criminal cases often involve a mix of physical, digital, and testimonial evidence. Common examples include:

• Physical evidence like DNA, drugs, weapons, blood samples, or clothing
• Digital evidence such as emails, text messages, phone records, or surveillance footage
• Testimonial evidence from eyewitnesses, police officers, or forensic experts

To avoid challenges or suppression, all evidence must be properly collected, documented, and stored. If errors occur, an Orange County criminal defense attorney can work to challenge its use in court.

What Happens When Evidence Is Mishandled?

When evidence isn’t properly collected or preserved, it opens the door to serious legal challenges. A missing piece of evidence or a break in the chain of custody can lead to:

• Suppression of Evidence: Judges may exclude it from trial.
• Due Process Violations: Unlawful searches or seizures can violate your rights.
• Wrongful Convictions: Faulty or tainted evidence may lead to innocent people being found guilty.
• Chain of Custody Problems: Unclear handling raises doubts about the evidence’s reliability.

In some cases, poor evidence handling may violate a defendant’s rights under the Fourth or Fourteenth Amendments. If this applies to your case, talking to an Orange County criminal defense attorney is the best way to protect your rights.

How a Criminal Defense Lawyer Challenges Bad Evidence

An experienced Orange County, CA criminal defense lawyer will carefully review how evidence was gathered and handled. If any issues are found, your attorney may file a motion to suppress the evidence, argue for dismissal, or push for reduced charges.

Defense lawyers can also consult forensic experts to challenge the reliability of scientific evidence, such as drug tests or DNA samples. They may point out inconsistencies in police reports or question the credibility of chain-of-custody logs.

Call an Orange County Criminal Defense Attorney Today

Evidence issues can make or break your case. At the Law Offices of William W. Bruzzo, we have over 30 years of experience challenging improper police procedures and protecting clients in Orange County.

If you’re facing charges or under investigation, don’t wait. Call us at (714) 547-4636 or contact us online to speak with a trusted Orange County criminal defense lawyer today.