Contact Us for a Free Consultation (213) 542-0979

Blog

Body Cam Evidence In Los Angeles

Posted by Ronald D. Hedding, ESQ. | Apr 11, 2018

Not too long ago, the Los Angeles police department issued body cams for all of its officers. Now, the fallout from that issuance is starting to hit the criminal defense arena. Criminal defense attorneys all over LA County are sending out body cam evidence requests, and many of them are being answered with evidence.

The problem sometimes, though, is that the police are in control of when the body cam is turned off and turned on.

So, a lot of times, it is missing time gaps of body cam evidence that you are unable to get as a criminal defense attorney to support your client's argument. Another thing that I'm seeing is that MVARS—which are the cameras in the police vehicles—are also not being utilized to capture what happens in a contact/arrest with the police. 

It's crucial to understand that body cam or MVAR evidence, if obtained, could be a game-changer in a criminal case. This evidence, if utilized effectively, could significantly bolster the defense's position and potentially lead to a favorable outcome.

What Are Some Of The Technical Issues With The Body Cam Evidence?

In addition to not capturing everything on the body cam, the police are also not always using it or turning it on or off at crucial times when they are violating people's constitutional rights. This is one big thing that's very frustrating as a criminal defense attorney when you know your client is telling you the truth about what happened during a police encounter, and you can't get the evidence to back it up.

Another technical issue is that when the prosecutors send the body cam, they send it on the server where you have to wait twenty or forty minutes for it to download, which is very frustrating when you are trying to investigate a criminal case.

What Defenses Can Be Utilized With Body Cam?

Body cam evidence, when used strategically, can often reveal discrepancies between police accounts and the actual events. This, combined with your client's testimony and other evidence, can form a robust defense strategy, instilling confidence in your ability to defend your client. 

Still, it's going to take time, effort, and judges and prosecutors policing the police to ensure that they turn over the body cam evidence, turn it on when they are supposed to, and are fair about how they deal with it.

Given the complexities and challenges associated with body cam evidence, it's advisable to seek the counsel of an experienced criminal defense attorney. With over twenty-five years of experience, I can provide the guidance and expertise needed to navigate these issues and build a strong defense for your case.

About the Author

Ronald D. Hedding, ESQ.

Ronald D. Hedding, Esq., is the founding member of the Hedding Law Firm. Mr. Hedding has an extensive well-rounded legal background in the area of Criminal Law. He has worked for the District Attorney's Office, a Superior Court Judge, and as the guiding force behind the Hedding Law Firm. His multi-faceted experience sets Mr. Hedding apart and puts him in an elite group of the best Criminal Defense Attorneys in Southern California.

Menu