Facing criminal charges is stressful enough without all the tough talk prosecutors often use to intimidate defendants. Bold claims of ironclad evidence and easy convictions make some defendants feel doomed from the start.
However, don’t let the bullying fool you – these prosecutorial scare tactics frequently mask weaknesses plaguing cases behind the scenes.
Savvy defendants can learn how to spot when the confidence that prosecutors exhibit is actually overcompensation for a weak criminal case.
Here are seven glaring signs that they’re grasping at straws.
1. The Police Lacked Probable Cause for an Arrest
The 4th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution protects citizens from unreasonable searches and seizures. This means police cannot arrest you without probable cause that you committed a crime. Probable cause means police must have sufficient facts or evidence that would lead a reasonable person to believe you violated a criminal law.
For example, officers cannot randomly pull over your car without observing signs of impairment if investigating a suspected DWI. Similarly, they cannot arrest you for assault without witness testimony or physical evidence suggesting you committed an assault.
If police arrest you without establishing probable cause first, any evidence they obtain may be inadmissible. This could tank the prosecutor’s case. An experienced criminal defense attorney may be able to get charges dismissed on this basis.
2. There Is Insufficient Evidence Against You
Prosecutors bear the heavy burden of proving criminal charges beyond a reasonable doubt. If the prosecution lacks enough convincing evidence that you committed the alleged offense, they may struggle to meet this high standard.
For instance, many DWI cases rely heavily on breathalyzer or blood test results. If the results are unavailable or inadmissible for some reason, the case could be dismissed for lack of evidence. Other examples include a lack of DNA evidence, fingerprint evidence, or surveillance footage.
3. The Prosecution Has No Credible Witnesses
Witness testimony often plays a pivotal role in criminal trials. Yet if the prosecution lacks credible witnesses to testify against you, they may not be able to prove their case.
Factors that undermine witness credibility include a reputation for dishonesty, bias against the defendant, or significant inconsistencies in their accounts. Witnesses who have extensive criminal histories or benefit from cooperating with police are generally not seen as credible.
If the case hinges on unreliable witnesses, the defense attorney may be able to raise doubts about their veracity. This can prevent the prosecution from meeting their burden of proof.
4. Illegally Obtained Evidence
The Constitution protects citizens from senseless searches and seizures. This means the police typically need a valid search warrant before collecting evidence from a home, car, or personal belongings. If they obtain evidence without a proper warrant, that evidence could be ruled inadmissible at trial.
Your defense lawyer will determine if the police violated your Fourth Amendment rights when gathering evidence. If so, your attorney can file a motion to suppress, which could result in critical evidence being excluded. This drastically weakens the prosecution’s case against you.
5. Mistakes in the Criminal Complaint
In Minnesota, the prosecutor’s office drafts a criminal complaint spelling out the case’s specific charges and relevant facts. Suppose there are errors in the police report, such as charges under the wrong criminal statute, incorrect names or dates, or contradictory statements. In that case, your lawyer can leverage those mistakes to undermine the credibility of the prosecution’s entire case.
Careless mistakes signal sloppy police work and investigations, making acquittal or dismissal much more likely. An adept defense attorney will jump at the opportunity to highlight these flaws.
6. Trying to Block Key Defense Witnesses
Solid cases rely on strong evidence. Weak cases use circumstantial inferences—so outside witnesses raise worries. Prosecutors may legally block defense witnesses to avoid different perspectives against their version.
If the prosecutor seems afraid of what your witnesses might share, it likely contradicts their shaky case details.
7. Pushing Hard for a Plea Deal
Without confidence, prosecutors prefer plea bargains over trials. A trial means scrutiny of the evidence’s gaps and holes. Plea deals guarantee a win. Heavy pressure to take a deal rather than face their “rock solid” case indicates that the case is built on sand.
When they insist that your best option is taking a deal rather than facing an airtight case, it means the proof probably has major gaps.
Prove Actual Innocence – Don’t Just Poke Holes
If you are under investigation or have been arrested in Minnesota, getting experienced legal help promptly is critical. At Martine Law, we have successfully defended thousands of clients facing allegations ranging from minor misdemeanors to serious violent felonies.
We have the skills and determination to highlight weaknesses in the state’s case and protect your best interests at every stage. Don’t leave your fate to chance.
Contact our office today to schedule a consultation with an attorney. We will carefully evaluate your charges, explain your options, and start building the strongest defense strategy right away. With us in your corner, you can feel confident your rights are secure.
