Law enforcement agencies employ a variety of investigative techniques to build a case. Understanding these strategies is crucial for those facing criminal charges. The more you understand about the types of evidence police look for, the easier it is to build your defense and protect yourself.
The types of evidence police look for will vary depending on the type of case at hand.
DUI or drug possession
Law enforcement officers often rely on a combination of testing in these cases. You might complete field sobriety tests, breath alcohol tests and drug tests. When it comes to DUI, officers look for signs of impairment, such as slurred speech or unsteady movements.
Breathalyzer tests measure blood alcohol content, while drug tests detect the presence of controlled substances. These types of evidence are crucial for the prosecution to establish impairment and substance use, forming the basis for charges and potential penalties. They might also search for paraphernalia on your person or in your vehicle.
Assault and domestic violence
In assault and domestic violence cases, police seek evidence that validates the identity of the aggressor and the severity of the incident. This may include witness statements, medical reports documenting injuries and photographic evidence of the crime scene. Additionally, law enforcement officers often look for patterns of behavior, such as previous incidents or a history of domestic violence, to strengthen their case.
Theft offenses
In theft cases, police focus on gathering evidence that links the accused to the crime. This may involve surveillance footage, eyewitness accounts or forensic evidence such as fingerprints or DNA. Investigators may also trace stolen property, examine financial transactions and analyze communication records to establish a timeline and motive. Effective criminal defense in theft cases often revolves around challenging the credibility and reliability of the evidence presented by the prosecution.
The state of Texas has 657,000 residents incarcerated or under community supervision. With such an active law enforcement movement in the state, you should proactively protect your legal interests by understanding the evidence that officers might look for.