What is the purpose of a motion to suppress evidence in criminal cases?

A motion to suppress evidence is a tool used in criminal cases that allows attorneys to challenge the legality of evidence used against them. The motion to suppress evidence is an application filed before a hearing or trial in which the defendant argues that the evidence used in a criminal case was obtained by law enforcement in violation of their rights as provided by the U.S. Constitution. If the motion is successful, the court would suppress the evidence, meaning that it would not be allowed to be used in the criminal case against the defendant. This could mean that the prosecution may not have enough evidence to make its case, resulting in a dismissal of the case or a reduction of the charges. In the state of Washington, motions to suppress evidence can be successfully argued if the evidence was obtained through an illegal search and seizure, an unlawful arrest, or any other violation of the defendant’s rights under the U.S. Constitution or Washington state laws. A motion to suppress is also used to challenge the admission of evidence that was obtained by a witness or informant through a coerced or involuntary statement. The main purpose of the motion to suppress evidence is to protect the rights of the accused and to promote fairness within the criminal justice system. Ultimately, the motion to suppress evidence is used to limit the evidence that can be used against the defendant in a criminal trial in order to ensure that their right to due process is protected.

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What is the purpose of a motion to suppress evidence in criminal cases?

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