Los Angeles Criminal Lawyers Blog
Discovery is a very important part of a criminal case. It is a crucial element for Los Angeles Criminal Defense lawyers, as it is the majority of the evidence that the case will rest on. Discovery itself is the process in which the defense will obtain evidence processed by the Prosecutor regarding the case. Prosecutors may also obtain evidence and information from the defense side to help build their case.
Discovery will include pictures taken at an arrest site, surveillance, arrest reports, statements and officer’s observations. It is essentially any evidence gathered by either side that they will be using to prove their case. One of the most common forms of discovery is an arrest report. It is the foundation upon which Prosecutors build their case.
The arrest report may be obtained at the first court hearing, also known as the arraignment. Generally when the person being charged has hired an attorney to represent them, the attorney can go into court and ask the Prosecutor for a copy of the discovery. The prosecutor will ask the attorney for a business card so that they can keep track of who the discovery was given to, and provide the lawyer with a copy.