You’ve likely seen a criminal investigation show that found incriminating evidence which led the detectives to the criminal. The evidence probably looked like stray hair on a chair, fingerprints on a doorknob or lipstick on a wine glass. These all can seem like clear evidence that the convicted criminal did do the crime – but, that may be far from the truth in real life.
Everything you see on TV shouldn’t be believed. Criminal investigation shows can warp people’s perception as to how a real investigation goes. Here’s what you should know:
DNA investigations aren’t instantaneous
Many shows will have detectives find some sort of evidence that someone specifically caused the crime or was present during the crime. This evidence may then go to a lab to be processed and within minutes, someone is convinced.
The reality is, DNA evidence may actually be a long process that inevitably doesn’t show any results. Lab testing DNA could take weeks before any results are given. If a sample is too small or was improperly stored, then there could be no DNA evidence to convict someone.
Eyewitness testimonies can be faulty
Many criminal investigations take the account of any eyewitnesses that may have seen a crime. There’s one big flaw with eyewitness testimonies, however, they aren’t always accurate.
People’s memories are flimsy. In other words, an eyewitness may remember events that didn’t play out exactly as they say or were influenced in some way. Because of this, there may be an eyewitness with no real recollection of events.
TV shows can cause people to have unrealistic expectations of a criminal charge. If you’re facing a criminal charge, you may need legal help to build a defense, but don’t assume your case is lost because the police claim they have solid evidence against you.