Colorado Police Evidence

Evidence in criminal cases

Evidence plays a critical role in criminal cases. The prosecution will use evidence to prove your
guilt. Understanding the types of evidence that can be admitted in your case is critical to
forming an effective defense.

Types of evidence that can be admitted in a criminal case.

Here is a list of the types of evidence commonly used in criminal cases:

• Direct evidence is based on a witness’s first-hand observations of the fact in question.
  For example, a witness’s testimony that she looked out her window and saw rain falling
  could be offered as direct evidence that it rained.
• Circumstantial evidence is also known as indirect evidence. For example, if a witness
  said it rained on a particular night, a lawyer could introduce pictures of puddles in the
  street the next day as circumstantial evidence to support her statement.
• Documentary evidence is typically presented in written or visual form. It can include:
  • Drawings
  • Paintings
  • Pictures
  • Printed materials
  • Contracts
  • Text messages
  • Screenshots
• Physical evidence is typically collected at the scene of the crime. Sometimes it can be
  found in other locations if people tried to cover up the crime or went on a crime spree.
  Physical evidence often serves as the only tangible proof that a crime occurred.
• Testimonial evidence comes directly from the mouths of the witnesses. Witnesses are
  examined by attorneys who ask them questions about what they heard, saw, or
  experienced. Testimonial evidence is subject to the rules of evidence and hearsay
  objections.