When Can Evidence Be Suppressed due to the Fourth Amendment?
If you’re facing criminal charges in St. Louis, the evidence against you might not be as solid as it seems. At Bruntrager & Billings, P.C., our experienced St. Louis criminal defense attorneys understand that the Fourth Amendment protects you from unreasonable searches and seizures, and when law enforcement violates these rights, that evidence can potentially be thrown out of court. Understanding when evidence can be suppressed could make all the difference in your case.
What Does the Fourth Amendment Protect?
The Fourth Amendment guarantees your right to privacy and protection from government intrusion. Police can’t just search your home, car, or personal belongings whenever they feel like it. They generally need a warrant based on probable cause, or they must have a valid legal exception to conduct a search without one.
When officers overstep these boundaries, any evidence they collect may be inadmissible in court. This is where suppression comes in, and it’s exactly why you need an experienced St. Louis criminal defense lawyer to review every detail of your case.
Common Grounds for Evidence Suppression in Missouri
Several situations can lead to evidence suppression in Missouri criminal cases:
- Warrantless Searches: Evidence can be suppressed if police searched without a valid warrant or exception, or exceeded the warrant’s scope.
- Illegal Traffic Stops: If officers lacked reasonable suspicion to stop you or probable cause to search your car, evidence from the stop may be thrown out.
- Unlawful Arrests: Arrests without probable cause or coerced statements violating Miranda rights can lead to suppressed evidence.
Each of these violations can undermine the prosecution’s case. A skilled St. Louis criminal defense attorney can spot these issues and work to have unlawfully obtained evidence thrown out. Without a lawyer to file a motion to suppress, even illegally obtained evidence could still be used against you.
Why You Need a St. Louis Criminal Defense Attorney to Move for Suppression
Evidence doesn’t suppress itself; you need a skilled St. Louis criminal defense lawyer to move for suppression and argue why the evidence should be excluded.
This process demands knowledge of constitutional law, Missouri criminal procedure, and how to challenge police conduct effectively. Your attorney will investigate how the evidence was obtained, identify any Fourth Amendment violations, and present strong arguments to the court.
Understanding your rights is critical because these protections only matter when properly defended. Judges don’t automatically exclude evidence; your lawyer must prove your rights were violated. Having a St. Louis criminal defense attorney move for suppression can lead to reduced charges or even dismissal if key evidence is thrown out.
Talk to a St. Louis Criminal Defense Lawyer
If you’re facing criminal charges in St. Louis, don’t assume the evidence against you is untouchable. The Fourth Amendment protects you, but only if you have a skilled St. Louis criminal defense attorney who knows how to use it. Contact Bruntrager & Billings, P.C. at 314-646-0066 or contact us online for a consultation. Our experienced team will review your case, uncover any constitutional violations, and fight to suppress unlawfully obtained evidence. Your freedom is too important to risk.