Legal Blog

What is the “Chain of Custody” & Why Does it Matter?

22 July 2024 | Criminal Defense,  

Attorney Sean Hessler

Written by
Sean Hessler

Posted
22 July 2024

Categories
Criminal Defense,  

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When you’re facing criminal charges, your case hangs almost entirely on the evidence against you. Understanding how that evidence was handled between the alleged crime and your trial is critical.

That evidence must have been handled according to the chain of custody. Learn more about this concept and how it might help you in your criminal case.

Defining the Chain of Custody in Indianapolis

The chain of custody is a concept that establishes that certain pieces of evidence can be tied directly to a crime scene.

This paper trail documents where the evidence was found, how it’s tied to the crime, and what steps law enforcement took to prove that the evidence was involved.

The chain of custody shows how the evidence is related to you and the criminal charges you are facing, and that the evidence is authentic.

What Are the Links in the Chain of Custody?

The chain of custody involves several crucial steps to ensure evidence is accurately tracked from the moment it is collected until it is presented in court.

Collecting Evidence

First, evidence is collected at the crime scene by law enforcement officers, who must document the exact location, condition, and way the evidence was found.

Each piece of evidence is tagged with a unique identifier to prevent mix-ups.

Documenting Evidence

Detailed records are maintained, including photographs, sketches, and written descriptions. Anyone who handles the evidence must log their involvement.

They keep track of the date, time, and purpose of handling evidence. This meticulous documentation ensures a clear and continuous record of the evidence’s journey.

Storing the Evidence

Once documented, the evidence is stored in a secure location, such as a police evidence room, with restricted access to prevent tampering or contamination.

Moving the Evidence

When evidence needs to be moved, whether for testing or transfer to another agency, the transfer must be thoroughly documented. The recipient of the evidence verifies its condition and integrity upon receipt.

Analyzing the Evidence

Forensic experts may then analyze the evidence in a lab, and the analysis process and results are comprehensively documented.

Presenting the Evidence

Finally, the evidence is presented in court, often with the testimony of those who handled it.

Any breaks in the chain of custody can be questioned by the defense, potentially leading to the evidence being deemed inadmissible.

Examples of Evidence Moving Through the Chain of Custody

To better understand the chain of custody, consider a few examples.

Analyzing DNA

In the case of DNA evidence, a sample of blood found at a crime scene is collected by a police officer.

The officer documents the collection, labels the sample, and places it in a secure evidence bag.

This sample is then transported to a forensic lab, where a technician logs it in and conducts DNA testing.

The results are recorded, and the sample is stored securely until it is needed in court.

Looking at Surveillance Footage

Let’s look at a case involving surveillance footage. Investigators obtain footage from a nearby store, copy it onto a secure storage device, and return the original to the store.

The copy is logged into evidence, with a detailed description of its contents.

The footage is then analyzed by a forensic video expert, who documents any findings and prepares it for presentation in court.

The prosecutor may ask the video expert to verify the copy’s authenticity and why their findings are relevant.

Why the Chain of Custody Matters in Criminal Defense

Across pop culture, some prosecutors introduce faulty evidence in order to win a conviction, like “To Kill a Mockingbird.” While that might not happen in real life, anyone facing criminal charges can rely on the chain of custody to protect their rights.

The chain of custody is vital because it ensures that evidence presented in court is reliable and has not been tampered with or contaminated.

Proper handling and documentation of evidence preserve its integrity, which is crucial for establishing the facts of a case.

If there are any gaps or discrepancies in the chain of custody, the defense can challenge the validity of the evidence. This can lead to the evidence being excluded from the trial, which can significantly impact the outcome of the case.

FAQs about the Chain of Custody

How can a break in the chain of custody impact my case?

A break in the chain of custody can lead to questions about the integrity and authenticity of the evidence.

If the defense can prove that the evidence was mishandled or tampered with, it might be excluded from the trial, which can significantly weaken the prosecution’s case against you.

How can I know if there was a chain of custody issue in my case?

Your defense attorney can request and review the chain of custody documentation as part of the discovery process.

They will look for any gaps or inconsistencies in how the evidence was handled and can challenge the admissibility of compromised evidence in court.

How can mishandled evidence be identified in court?

Mishandled evidence can be identified through inconsistencies in the documentation, unexplained gaps in the timeline, or signs of tampering.

Expert witnesses, such as forensic analysts, may be called to testify about these issues, helping the defense to challenge the evidence’s validity.

Can digital evidence have a chain of custody?

Yes, digital evidence, such as emails, texts, or computer files, also requires a chain of custody. This involves documenting how the digital evidence was collected, stored, and transferred, ensuring that it remains unaltered from its original form.

Can chain of custody issues be grounds for an appeal?

Yes, if it can be demonstrated that there was a significant break or flaw in the chain of custody that potentially compromised the evidence, it can be grounds for an appeal. This can lead to a retrial or even a dismissal of charges.

Call an Indianapolis Criminal Defense Lawyer

Fighting against criminal charges can be complex in Indianapolis. You’re fighting for your future and against a conviction. And if you think some of the evidence against you has been falsely admitted or tampered with, you might feel helpless.

Fortunately, you can work with a skilled and compassionate criminal defense lawyer to fight against your charges. Attorney Sean Hessler has helped many people face all manner of criminal charges — ranging from drug crimes to robberies. He’s successfully defended his clients, and he’s ready to help you.

Attorney Hessler’s experience as a deputy prosecutor makes him especially knowledgeable about the chain of custody, and he’ll use his experience to help you fight your criminal charges.

Call (317) 886-8800 or fill out our online form to get started on your defense today.