Three Ways to Use Police Dash Cams for Criminal Defense

Arrested? You might be able to fight your arrest using footage from the arresting officer's dashboard camera. Police dash cams are an integral part of certain criminal cases, but sometimes they work to the advantage of the defendant instead of the police.

A skilled defense lawyer can use dash cam footage to identify police misconduct, correct weaknesses in your defense case, and prove that you didn't break the law.

Typically, prosecutors use dashboard cameras to prove that a suspect committed a crime. Sometimes, the defendant can use dash cam footage to demonstrate misconduct on the part of the arresting officer. If law enforcement used unnecessary force or failed to execute a proper arrest, your case could be dismissed. Further, you may be able to file a police brutality lawsuit.

Secondly, your attorney may be able to use dash cam footage to find weaknesses in your defense. Once your lawyer identifies potential problems, he / she can correct them and strengthen your case.

In some cases, dashboard camera footage demonstrates the defendant's innocence. If law enforcement stopped you for running a red light and then arrested you for DUI, the dash cam footage might show that they had didn't have a good reason to conduct the initial traffic stop. If police didn't have reasonable suspicion to conduct the initial traffic stop, any evidence recorded after the initial stop may not be admissible in court.

If you believe that dash cam footage can help your case, speak to a criminal defense attorney today. Without a lawyer, you may have difficulty opening obtaining the footage that you need. At Lessem, Newstat & Tooson, LLP, we are dedicated to defending the rights of the accused in Ventura and the surrounding Los Angeles area. For additional information about our firm, speak with our Ventura criminal lawyers today.

Contact Lessem, Newstat & Tooson, LLP

Categories