What is a suppression hearing?

A suppression hearing is a legal proceeding in which a defendant asks the court to exclude certain evidence from being used against them in a criminal trial. This is typically requested when the defendant believes that the evidence was obtained in violation of their constitutional rights, such as through an illegal search or seizure.

During a suppression hearing, the defense presents arguments and evidence to the court showing why the evidence should be suppressed. This could include witness testimony, expert opinions, and legal arguments. The prosecution may also present arguments and evidence in response.

The judge will then consider the arguments and evidence presented and make a decision on whether or not to suppress the evidence. If the evidence is suppressed, it cannot be used in the trial against the defendant. This can significantly impact the prosecution's case and may lead to charges being dropped or reduced.

Suppression hearings are an important tool for protecting the rights of defendants and ensuring that evidence obtained illegally is not used to secure convictions. It is crucial for defendants to have competent legal representation during suppression hearings to effectively challenge the admissibility of evidence.