Understanding Evidence Suppression in Indiana Criminal Cases: A Defendant’s Guide
In criminal law, evidence suppression can be the key to winning your case. Whether it’s a traffic stop, a search, or an interrogation, if law enforcement violates your constitutional rights, the resulting evidence might be excluded from court. In Indiana, understanding the intricacies of evidence suppression is crucial for anyone facing criminal charges.
I’m Nathan Vining, a criminal defense attorney in Indiana, and in this guide, we’ll explore what evidence suppression is, when it applies, and how it can influence the outcome of your case.
What is Evidence Suppression?
Evidence suppression occurs when evidence collected by law enforcement is excluded from trial due to constitutional violations. The exclusionary rule, rooted in the Fourth and Fifth Amendments, ensures that illegally obtained evidence cannot be used against you.
Common scenarios leading to suppression include:
Illegal searches and seizures without a valid warrant or probable cause.
Unreasonable traffic stops without specific or articulable suspicion.
Coerced confessions or interrogations conducted without reading Miranda rights.
When evidence is suppressed, it can drastically weaken the prosecution’s case, sometimes leading to charges being dropped entirely.
Examples of Evidence Suppression in Indiana
Illegal Juvenile Interrogation
In one case, a juvenile asked for a parent to be present during questioning—a right afforded under Indiana law. Law enforcement ignored the request and continued the interrogation. This violation resulted in the suppression of statements made during the questioning and ultimately led to the dismissal of the case.
Unjustified Traffic Stops
Imagine being pulled over because your car “looked suspicious,” even though you didn’t commit a traffic violation. Without reasonable suspicion or probable cause, any evidence obtained during that stop—like drugs or firearms—can be suppressed.
Unreasonable Search
If officers search your home without a warrant or your consent, any evidence discovered might be inadmissible, barring certain exceptions like exigent circumstances.
Common Grounds for Suppression
Several constitutional protections form the basis for evidence suppression:
Fourth Amendment Violations:
Protects against unreasonable searches and seizures. Evidence collected without a warrant, probable cause, or legal justification is often excluded.Fifth Amendment Violations:
Ensures your right to remain silent and protects against self-incrimination. Coerced confessions or interrogations conducted without proper Miranda warnings can lead to suppression.Exclusionary Rule:
Bars the use of evidence obtained illegally, preventing law enforcement from benefiting from their misconduct.
The Evidence Suppression Process
Filing a Motion to Suppress
Your attorney will file a motion arguing why the evidence in question should be excluded.The Suppression Hearing
A suppression hearing is like a mini-trial. Law enforcement officers may be called to testify about the circumstances of the search, stop, or interrogation. Your attorney will cross-examine them to uncover any constitutional violations.Judicial Decision
The judge will rule on whether the evidence is admissible. If the evidence is suppressed, the prosecution may have to drop or significantly alter its case.Appeals
If the ruling on suppression is unfavorable, the decision can sometimes be appealed, depending on the case's circumstances.
Why Evidence Suppression Matters
The suppression of evidence isn’t just about legal technicalities—it’s about protecting your constitutional rights. Excluding illegally obtained evidence prevents the state from benefiting from misconduct and ensures a fair trial.
For example:
In DUI cases, suppression of improperly administered breathalyzer results can undermine the prosecution’s ability to prove impairment.
In drug cases, suppression of evidence obtained from an illegal search can lead to the dismissal of charges.
Consulting an Attorney is Essential
Navigating evidence suppression requires legal expertise. An experienced attorney can:
Identify violations of your rights.
File timely and effective motions to suppress.
Cross-examine witnesses during suppression hearings to challenge the legality of the evidence.
Even if you don’t initially recognize a violation, a skilled lawyer can uncover issues that could lead to suppression and significantly impact your case.
Take Action to Protect Your Rights
If you’re facing criminal charges in Indiana and believe your rights were violated, don’t wait. Evidence suppression could be the key to your defense. Contact Vining Legal at (317) 759-3225 or schedule a consultation here.
As an experienced criminal defense attorney, I’ll review your case, identify any suppression issues, and fight to protect your rights and freedom. Let’s start building your defense today.