How Can You Challenge Evidence in Drug Possession Cases?
Drug possession charges can carry serious consequences, and the outcome of these cases often hinges on the evidence. If that evidence was mishandled, collected improperly, or is unreliable, it may be possible to challenge it. Knowing how evidence can be disputed is critical to building a strong defense.
At Hug and Jacobs LLC, we defend clients charged with drug possession in Omaha, Nebraska, as well as Fremont, Lincoln, Papillion, and Wahoo. Each attorney carefully reviews every detail to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case. If you or someone you know has been charged with drug possession, our firm can help you understand your options and challenge evidence in court.
Common Types of Evidence in Drug Possession Cases
Drug possession charges are supported by different forms of evidence, and each type has its own vulnerabilities. Since the prosecution must prove its case beyond a reasonable doubt, it often relies on multiple sources to build a case. The most common types of evidence include the following.
Physical items: This includes physical substances alleged to be drugs, drug paraphernalia, or containers.
Test results: Laboratory analyses confirming the identity or quantity of the substance.
Statements: These include testimony from law enforcement officers, informants, or other witnesses.
Digital records: These include text messages, call logs, or online communications suggesting possession.
Each of these forms of evidence can be challenged, and the method used depends on how the evidence was collected and presented. This makes it important to examine whether the initial police conduct complied with constitutional protections.
Defenses for Challenging Evidence
If you have been charged with drug possession in Omaha, Nebraska, consult an experienced criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. Your attorney can work with you to develop the best defense for challenging evidence in your case. Some of the common defense you may be able to employ include the following.
Illegal Search and Seizure Issues
According to the United States Courts, the Fourth Amendment protects individuals from unlawful searches and seizures. If the police obtained evidence without a valid warrant or probable cause, that evidence may be excluded from court.
Nebraska courts frequently evaluate whether the officer had a legal basis for the search. Traffic stops, home entries, or searches of personal belongings are especially prone to constitutional violations. When evidence is gathered unlawfully, it can significantly weaken the prosecution’s case.
Problems With Chain of Custody
The chain of custody documents every step in the handling of evidence. If there are gaps, errors, or inconsistencies in that process, the reliability of the evidence can be called into question. Breakdowns in this process can occur at many points between collection and presentation in court. Some common chain of custody problems include:
Mislabeling: This includes evidence stored under the wrong name or case number.
Contamination: This includes improper storage or exposure that affects integrity.
Missing records: This includes a lack of documentation showing who handled the evidence.
Exposing these weaknesses can create reasonable doubt about whether the drugs presented in court are the same as those that were allegedly seized.
Reliability of Laboratory Testing
Laboratory results are often presented as conclusive, but errors are more common than many people realize. Mistakes can occur at any stage of the testing process. Issues may involve faulty equipment calibration, human error in analysis, or even misinterpretation of results. Inaccurate testing can yield false positives, potentially leading to wrongful charges. Since labs aren’t immune to error, their results should be carefully scrutinized.
Credibility of Witness Testimony
The prosecution often relies on testimony from law enforcement or informants. While testimony can be persuasive, it isn’t always reliable. Witnesses may have biases, inconsistent recollections, or even motivations to exaggerate events. Cross-examination is a powerful tool for revealing those weaknesses.
When testimony is challenged, jurors may question the prosecution’s overall case. At that stage, expert witnesses can also be called to counter technical or scientific claims.
Flaws in Police Reports and Procedures
Police reports are meant to provide accurate accounts of searches, arrests, and evidence collection. However, errors, omissions, and inconsistencies aren’t uncommon.
Reports may exaggerate the circumstances surrounding your arrest, leave out critical details, or contradict other evidence. Procedural mistakes during your arrest can also undermine the prosecution’s version of events. Revealing these flaws can often cast doubt on the reliability of the investigation.
Challenging Constructive Possession
Not all drug possession charges involve drugs found directly on someone's person. Prosecutors may argue constructive possession, claiming that a person had control or knowledge of drugs in a shared space.
Constructive possession cases are often weaker because access to a location doesn’t always prove ownership. If multiple people shared a car, apartment, or other area, it becomes harder to demonstrate control. These challenges underscore the necessity for legal motions that formally challenge the admissibility of evidence.
Advocating for Suppression Motions
A motion to suppress asks the court to exclude evidence that was obtained unlawfully or mishandled. If successful, the prosecution may, in some cases, lose the central proof they need to move forward.
Judges will evaluate whether your constitutional rights were violated, whether procedures were followed, and whether the evidence is trustworthy. Each ruling can significantly alter the course of the case. Even when suppression doesn’t lead to dismissal, it can reduce the charges or limit the prosecution’s options.
The Importance of Employing a Case-Specific Strategy
Every drug possession case involves different circumstances, and the defense strategy you use must be tailored accordingly. What works in a simple possession case may not apply to allegations of possession with intent to distribute.
Factors such as the amount of drugs, the presence of paraphernalia, and the credibility of witnesses all shape the best approach. A defense is strongest when it’s built on the specific weaknesses of the prosecution’s evidence.
A careful strategy connects all these elements, from questioning lab reports to challenging police conduct. By examining the unique circumstances of each case, it becomes clear how evidence challenges can shift the outcome and why protecting your rights requires a focused defense.
Reach Out to an Experienced Attorney Today
Challenging evidence can make all the difference in a drug possession case, and you don’t have to face these charges alone. At Hug and Jacobs LLC, we’re prepared to carefully examine every detail to protect your rights and your future.
We proudly serve clients in Omaha, Fremont, Lincoln, Papillion, and Wahoo. If you’re facing drug possession charges, contact us today to schedule a consultation and let's work together to start building your defense.