If you are facing criminal charges and want to know as much as possible about the evidence against you, then one of the first things you will want to know is the difference between direct evidence and indirect evidence. We are happy to describe it below, but if you have not yet consulted with a criminal defense attorney, we suggest you do so right away. You can contact Chambers Law Firm at 714-760-4088 now for a free legal consultation.
The Definitions of Direct Evidence and Indirect Evidence
The legal definition of direct evidence is evidence that directly proves a key fact. On the other hand, indirect evidence, which is sometimes called circumstantial evidence, is a set of facts that, if they are true, allows a reasonable person to infer the fact in question.
For example, in a murder case, a witness testifying that they saw the defendant stabbing the victim is direct evidence. In the same case, indirect evidence would involve a witness stating that they saw the victim running from the crime scene. This is not direct evidence of the crime, but it could lead someone to infer that the defendant was at least present at the time and place of the crime.
Both Types of Evidence Can Be Used
Both direct evidence and indirect evidence can be used in both civil cases and criminal cases. However, in a criminal case, the prosecutor can convict the defendant if all they have is indirect evidence. The prosecutor can convict a person with only direct evidence, only indirect evidence, or a combination of both.
Examples of Indirect Evidence
There are many different types of indirect evidence, some of which can be more convincing than other types. For example, bloodstains and other types of physical evidence are indirect evidence. Forensic and scientific evidenced is also indirect, as is fingerprint evidence. Some people assume that physical evidence is direct evidence – and it can be in specific situations. However, the examples listed can all point to a defendant having been at the location or involved in some way but do not necessarily directly implicate them.
How Strong is the Evidence Against You?
While circumstantial evidence might be enough to enough for a conviction, it must be very strong. If you are facing criminal allegations and are not sure if you should be worried or not, we invite you to contact Chambers Law Firm at 714-760-4088. We can begin with a free legal consultation during which we will let you know how strong the evidence is and what steps you can take to protect yourself. Call us now to get started.
