How does Georgia criminal defense address evidence planted by police?
An allegation that evidence was planted by law enforcement raises serious questions in a Georgia criminal case, and addressing it centers on the handling of the evidence and the circumstances of its discovery. Establishing how evidence came to be where it was found is central.
The chain of custody is examined. How evidence was collected, handled, and documented can bear on whether it is what it is claimed to be, so gaps or irregularities in the chain of custody can be significant. The integrity of the handling of the evidence is examined closely.
The circumstances of discovery are examined. Where and how evidence was found, and the consistency of accounts about its discovery, can bear on questions about its origin. Whether the circumstances of discovery are consistent and credible is relevant.
Corroboration and inconsistencies matter. The presence or absence of evidence corroborating how items were found, and any inconsistencies in the accounts, can be examined. Whether the account of the evidence holds together is part of the analysis.
Addressing an allegation of planted evidence generally focuses on the chain of custody, the circumstances of discovery, and any inconsistencies. The integrity of the handling, the credibility of the discovery account, and any corroboration or contradiction are the considerations on which such a matter rests. Inconsistencies in how items were said to have been found, set against gaps in their handling, can lend weight to a claim that evidence was planted.