If you have been accused of a sex crime, you may wonder what type of evidence can be used at your trial. Generally speaking, the court may admit any relevant evidence as long as it can be substantiated and is not too prejudicial to your case. Both the prosecution and defense may present evidence, and both sides have the opportunity to challenge its admissibility. Evidence obtained illegally or without following proper procedures can be excluded, regardless of its relevance.
Evidence plays a critical role in sex crime trials. It not only shapes the case but also helps the jury and judge get to know the defendant. With the high stakes involved in these cases, understanding how evidence is used in St. Petersburg sex crime trials is essential. Reach out to Goldman Wetzel to learn more.
Physical evidence can be pivotal in a sex crime trial. If the St. Petersburg police have this type of evidence, it can dramatically influence the defense’s approach.
Physical evidence includes any tangible objects or materials that might provide information about the facts underlying the criminal allegations. Some examples of physical evidence include
In some crimes, physical evidence can be enough to convict a defendant. However, in sex crimes, consent is often at issue. Therefore, the presence of physical evidence does not mean that the defendant is guilty. In many cases, all it does is establish that the defendant and the victim had contact.
In addition, physical evidence is not foolproof. Defense attorneys might examine issues in the chain of custody, handling, or testing to undermine its credibility.
The victim may undergo a forensic medical examination, which is often obtained by a specially trained Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE). In these examinations, a trained professional collects physical evidence and documents any evidence of injuries.
Unlike other types of evidence, the defense will not have an opportunity to have their experts conduct a forensic medical examination. Instead, they must rely on the evidence collected by the state’s SANE. To challenge this type of evidence used in St. Petersburg trials, a sex crime defense attorney may look for inaccuracies or inconsistencies in the SANE exam’s documentation.
Victim testimony is one of the most potent types of evidence available in a St. Petersburg sex crime trial. The victim’s account of the incident is the crux of the prosecution’s case. To bolster that evidence, the prosecution will try to show that the victim is a consistent, reliable, and credible witness. They may also call other witnesses to bolster parts of the victim’s statements.
Challenging victim testimony is delicate but crucial. While directly attacking the victim’s credibility risks alienating the jury, the defense can counter the narrative by presenting alternative witnesses or evidence that contradicts the victim’s account. This balanced approach seeks to introduce reasonable doubt while respecting all parties involved.
In an increasingly modern world, victims and perpetrators often have a digital record of their activities. Smartphones, smartwatches, and other data trackers can give an account of a person’s whereabouts and even their activity. Additionally, photographs, videos, texts, and social media accounts may become potential evidence for St. Petersburg sex crime trials.
Digital evidence may be enough to show an ongoing romantic or sexual relationship between the parties, which can introduce reasonable doubt about sexual assault allegations. In other instances, digital evidence may be very damaging to a defendant. A defendant needs to let their attorney know about any potential digital evidence that could be relevant to the case.
If you are facing a sex crime trial in St. Petersburg, working with an attorney who understands the nuances of evidence in these cases is vital. At Goldman Wetzel, we are committed to thoroughly analyzing the evidence and providing a strong defense tailored to your situation. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and build your case confidently.