The Role of Motions to Suppress Evidence in Nashville Criminal Defense
In criminal cases, evidence plays a crucial role in determining the outcome. Whether it’s physical evidence, statements from the accused, or witness testimony, the strength of the evidence presented can significantly affect the defense strategy. However, not all evidence is admissible in court. In some cases, evidence obtained unlawfully or improperly can be excluded from the trial. This is where a motion to suppress evidence becomes a critical tool for criminal defense attorneys in Nashville.
A motion to suppress evidence is a legal request to prevent certain evidence from being presented in court because it was obtained in violation of a person’s constitutional rights. This blog will explain what motions to suppress are, why they are important in criminal defense, and how they are used in Nashville criminal cases.
What Is a Motion to Suppress Evidence?
A motion to suppress is a formal request made by a criminal defense attorney to a judge asking them to exclude evidence from a case. The basis for this motion is that the evidence was obtained through illegal means or in violation of the defendant’s constitutional rights. The most common grounds for filing a motion to suppress are:
- Unlawful Search and Seizure: Under the Fourth Amendment, individuals are protected against unreasonable searches and seizures. If law enforcement officers conduct a search without a warrant or probable cause, the evidence obtained during that search may be suppressed.
- Involuntary Confessions or Statements: The Fifth Amendment protects individuals from self-incrimination. If a confession or statement is made without proper Miranda warnings, or if it was coerced, it may be suppressed.
- Illegal Arrests: An arrest made without probable cause or a valid warrant can be grounds for suppressing evidence discovered during the arrest.
- Failure to Follow Proper Procedures: Evidence may also be suppressed if law enforcement fails to follow the correct legal procedures when obtaining it. This can include improper handling of evidence or failure to respect the defendant’s rights during an interrogation.
The Role of Motions to Suppress in Criminal Defense
A motion to suppress is an important tool in a criminal defense attorney’s arsenal. It serves several purposes, including:
- Protecting Constitutional Rights: A motion to suppress helps ensure that law enforcement follows the Constitution when gathering evidence. The Fourth, Fifth, and Sixth Amendments provide important protections against illegal searches, self-incrimination, and violations of due process. By filing a motion to suppress, the defense attorney ensures that the rights of the defendant are upheld.
- Weakening the Prosecution’s Case: If key evidence is suppressed, it can severely weaken the prosecution’s case. Criminal trials often rely heavily on evidence to prove guilt, and without certain pieces of evidence, the prosecution may struggle to establish a strong case. In some cases, a successful motion to suppress may lead to the dismissal of charges or a reduction in the severity of the charges.
- Negotiating Better Plea Deals: If a motion to suppress results in the exclusion of significant evidence, the prosecution may be more willing to negotiate a plea deal. With the strength of their case diminished, they may offer a reduced sentence or lesser charges in exchange for a guilty plea.
- Creating a Record for Appeal: If a judge denies a motion to suppress, the defense attorney can use the decision as a basis for an appeal. If the defendant is convicted, an appeal may be filed arguing that the evidence was improperly admitted in court. Having a motion to suppress on the record can provide grounds for challenging the conviction on appeal.
When Is a Motion to Suppress Filed?
A motion to suppress is typically filed before the trial begins, during the pretrial phase. In Tennessee, a criminal defense attorney may file the motion after reviewing the evidence and identifying potential issues with how it was obtained. The motion must be filed in writing and should clearly explain the legal grounds for the request.
After the motion is filed, the judge will schedule a hearing to review the arguments from both the defense and the prosecution. During this hearing, both parties will present their evidence and legal arguments. The judge will then decide whether the evidence in question should be suppressed. If the judge agrees that the evidence was obtained unlawfully, they will issue a ruling to exclude it from the trial.
Common Grounds for Suppressing Evidence in Nashville Criminal Defense
There are several common grounds on which a motion to suppress might be filed in a Nashville criminal case. Some of the most common issues include:
- Unreasonable Search and Seizure: The Fourth Amendment protects individuals from unreasonable searches and seizures. In Nashville, if law enforcement conducts a search without a warrant or probable cause, the defense may argue that the evidence obtained during that search should be suppressed. This includes searches of a person’s home, vehicle, or even their body. If officers search a location without consent, a valid warrant, or probable cause, the evidence discovered may be inadmissible.
- Improper Use of Informants: Sometimes, law enforcement relies on informants to gather evidence. However, if the informant’s information is unreliable or if they were used without proper procedures, the defense may argue that any evidence obtained as a result of their information should be suppressed.
- Miranda Violations: The Miranda warning, which informs a suspect of their right to remain silent and the right to an attorney, is required before interrogations. If a defendant’s rights are not read to them properly or if they make a statement without being advised of their rights, the defense can file a motion to suppress any statements or confessions made.
- Illegal Arrests: If an individual is arrested without probable cause or without a warrant, the defense may argue that any evidence discovered during the arrest or after the arrest should be suppressed. This includes evidence found on the person during the arrest or in a search of the area immediately surrounding the arrest.
- Chain of Custody Issues: Evidence must be properly handled and tracked throughout the investigative process. If there is a break in the chain of custody, meaning the evidence was mishandled or improperly stored, the defense may argue that the evidence is unreliable and should be suppressed.
The Hearing Process for a Motion to Suppress
Once the motion to suppress is filed, a hearing will be scheduled. During this hearing, the judge will listen to both the defense’s and the prosecution’s arguments. The defense attorney will present evidence and legal arguments to show that the evidence in question was obtained unlawfully. The prosecution will argue that the evidence was gathered properly and should be allowed at trial.
After hearing both sides, the judge will make a ruling on the motion to suppress. If the judge agrees with the defense, the evidence will be excluded from the trial. If the judge denies the motion, the evidence will remain part of the case, and the defense will need to adjust their strategy accordingly.
Conclusion
Motions to suppress evidence are a powerful tool in Nashville criminal defense. They allow defense attorneys to challenge unlawfully obtained evidence and protect their clients’ constitutional rights. By filing a motion to suppress, an attorney can weaken the prosecution’s case, negotiate better plea deals, or even create grounds for an appeal. Understanding the importance of these motions is essential for anyone facing criminal charges. If you are facing criminal charges in Nashville, it’s crucial to consult with an experienced criminal defense lawyer who can assess the strength of the evidence against you and determine if a motion to suppress is appropriate for your case.
