In the state of Illinois, there are hundreds of crimes that you could be accused of committing, ranging from petty traffic violations to serious felony offenses that could change your life forever. Depending on the severity of your case, the prosecutor will determine what kind of evidence he or she needs to build a case against you. Evidentiary items, such as specific objects, weapons, or even DNA are typically taken from the scene where the crime was alleged to have taken place. However, in many cases, the police may opt to search your home or even your vehicle if you are charged with a crime. Under the Fourth Amendment to the United States Constitution, each person has certain rights and protections with regard to searches and seizures. If those rights are violated, the validity of the evidence obtained during the search and seizure may become compromised. 

Issuing the Search Warrant

The right against an unreasonable search and seizure is one of the most basic rights awarded to every person in the country. In most cases, police almost always need a search warrant to enter and search your home. A search warrant is issued by a judge and contains information about a location that police are to search for evidence or for individuals connected with the crime. The warrant should describe the location of the objects that are meant to be seized and the actual object or person they want to seize.

If you have ever watched a crime show on television, then you probably believe that forensic and DNA evidence is the gold standard in courtrooms. Your perception is further reinforced by the number of people who have been exonerated by DNA evidence and the high-profile cases in which DNA or other forensic evidence lead to a conviction. Unfortunately, what no one will tell you is that these forms of evidence are not foolproof. In fact, some are downright faulty, and others are riddled with errors that lead to the conviction of the wrong person.

If you or someone you love is facing a criminal charges case and there is DNA or forensic evidence against you, do not give up the fight. Instead, learn how to defend yourself against such evidence. Above all, ensure you protect your rights, before things start to spiral out of control. The following information explains further.

The Truth About DNA Evidence