Countless people die every day, and the investigations that follow a murder usually occur at the hands of humans susceptible to error like anybody else. Of course, the stakes are much higher when the matter in question is a homicide, so investigators should avoid errors at all costs. Despite this, there are many mistakes that happen and complicate murder cases and implicate innocent parties in crimes they did not commit.
If you are facing a charge of homicide, your entire life is on the line. A conviction could land you in prison for the rest of your life. An acquittal, conversely, could clear your name and restore your reputation. It is vital that you fight for your future with assistance from an experienced defense lawyer. It is imperative that the defendants’ guilt not rest on a case that is questionable.
Chain of custody
Needless to say, evidence plays a crucial role in any investigation, but this is especially true when the investigation involves a homicide. The handling of evidence must be in accordance with strict protocol, and any oversight is a serious misstep. If there is mishandling of evidence during its seizure, transfer, documentation or analysis, it is possible that this evidence will become inadmissible in court.
Miranda rights
According to History.com, Miranda rights were established in 1966 in response to a man’s conviction following a supposedly false and coerced confession. Miranda rights grant suspects the right to remain silent and refrain from giving self-incriminating statements. If the police do not read you your Miranda rights, you are still potentially liable, but anything you say at the time of arrest may not be admissible in court.
DNA lab mistakes
The emergence of DNA testing revolutionized homicide investigations. It has allowed many criminals to be rightfully put behind bars, but unfortunately, it is not the foolproof technique prosecutors present it to be. DNA samples and evidence are typically handled by lab technicians who can make errors, contaminate DNA or worse — succumb to pressure to intentionally manipulate evidence.
