Evidence is very important in criminal trials; it determines whether a guilty person will pay for their crime or go scot-free. The success of the plaintiff in achieving justice for the defendant’s actions is dependent on the evidence they have. What that means is that without evidence, the man accused of raping a minor could walk free and maybe do it to someone else. If you did not know how important evidence is in criminal trials in Minnesota, now you do. The burden of proof is both the defendant’s and the plaintiff’s responsibility; each side must provide evidence to support their arguments. In this article, we will review the major types of evidence commonly used in criminal cases in Minnesota that are admissible in court.
Direct Evidence
Direct evidence refers to the direct proof of a fact and requires no additional interpretation or speculation. A typical example is a video that captures the defendant committing the act they are accused of. In the case of the rape of a minor, for instance, the defendant’s fingerprints on the minor’s torn clothes qualify as direct evidence. “Direct evidence directly connects the defendant to the crime and, therefore, can impact either party’s arguments,” says attorney Omeed Berenjian of BK Law Group.
Testimonial Evidence
Testimonial evidence may include eyewitness testimony—that is, the account of someone who saw the defendant commit the crime. The admissibility and value of the testimony will depend on how credible the court finds the witness. Furthermore, testimonial evidence can include testimony from expert witnesses such as forensic pathologists and medical professionals. With their knowledge, they are able to present facts to the court. Just like direct evidence, expert testimony can support or undermine either party’s argument, depending on the circumstances.
Circumstantial Evidence
You could say circumstantial evidence is the flipped definition of direct evidence. With circumstantial evidence, the court can draw a reasonable inference about the involvement of the defendant in the crime or other facts. A typical example of circumstantial evidence of the defendant’s guilt is eyewitness reports stating that they saw the defendant fleeing the crime scene.
Real Evidence
Real evidence refers to physical evidence such as hair strands, DNA, fingerprints, and others. Any tangible evidence that is obtained from the crime scene and that can help investigators piece facts together is real evidence.
What is Admissible Evidence?
When the evidence is good and has potential, this does not guarantee that it will be accepted in court. Meanwhile, for the evidence to hold any weight or do any good for either side, it must be admissible in court. Below are factors to consider when determining whether your piece of evidence will be admissible in court:
- The evidence must have relevance—it must be related to the facts of the case, whether directly or indirectly.
- The piece of evidence must be credible and trustworthy.
- Courts in Minnesota do not accept hearsay as evidence, except in certain circumstances. Hearsay is often inadmissible because of the question of its accuracy and credibility, which cannot be verified.
- You must have obtained the piece of evidence through legal means, or it would be inadmissible. For example, if the investigator violated the defendant’s rights while obtaining the evidence, the court would exclude it as evidence.
Conclusion: Why You Need a Minnesota Criminal Defense Lawyer
If you are facing a criminal trial in Minnesota, working with a defense lawyer in the state is important. Attempting to represent yourself can yield repercussions, such as the prosecution using your words against you. Furthermore, your lawyer can help with the legal aspect of the case, including gathering the necessary evidence required to defend you. Beyond gathering evidence, a Minnesota defense lawyer would know how to present their findings in a way that favors you. Moreover, they develop strategies on how to use those findings to prove your innocence. Hence, having appropriate legal representation is often the key to building a strong defense during a criminal trial in Minnesota.
Lynn Martelli is an editor at Readability. She received her MFA in Creative Writing from Antioch University and has worked as an editor for over 10 years. Lynn has edited a wide variety of books, including fiction, non-fiction, memoirs, and more. In her free time, Lynn enjoys reading, writing, and spending time with her family and friends.
