Asked 4 months ago - Memphis, TN
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At preliminary hearing of a criminal case, I know it is smart for the defense to hold back some of their evidence, but doesn't a prosecutor need to present most, if not all, of his evidence?
Or is that not til discovery? If so, when is discovery?
In Memphis, the state is going to put on the bare minimal proof to make probable cause which could be one witness. The judges do not require much to bind over.
www.midsouthcriminaldefense.com
The best answer to this question lies in the state rules of criminal procedure. In general, prosecutors have a higher duty to turn over all evidence, especially exculpatory evidence (evidence suggesting the defendant did not commit the crime).
A Defendant does not have a responsibility to turn over evidence. The Defendant has the right to remain silent, sit there and do nothing and tell the prosecutor to do his own investigation and prove the elements of the crime.
The best thing to do though is discuss what "evidence" a person may have with an experienced local criminal defense attorney. A party or lawyer's obligation to turn over evidence and the discovery rules are in your state rules for criminal procedure.
You may even want to read through the Tennessee Rules of Criminal Procedure:
http://www.tncourts.gov/courts/court-rules/rule...
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