INSIGHTS

Home > Insights > Criminal Defense > How Brady Material Can Help Your NYC Criminal Defense

How Brady Material Can Help Your NYC Criminal Defense

by | May 21, 2021

D’Emilia Law recently secured a favorable criminal defense result in NYC for a client who was arrested for drug charges after he was initially pulled over for a traffic violation. When police searched his car, they allegedly recovered cocaine and he was charged with possession and intent to sell. 

As detailed in the case study, the client was referred to D’Emilia Law. We were initially skeptical of the circumstances of the arrest – particularly with regard to the timing. During the pre-trial discovery period, we asked the prosecution to do its due diligence and investigate the timing of the arrest, among other details. The District Attorney’s office returned with documented proof that the search warrant the officers served expired 24 hours prior to the stop and arrest. With this new information and evidence, we negotiated with the D.A. and secured a drastically reduced charge for our client. 

Many of our readers have asked: “Why was the D.A. required to turn over that evidence?”

The answer is because of a federal rule known as Brady disclosure. This rule dates back to the 1960s and governs criminal law procedure. We will discuss the law and its impact on NYC criminal defense lawyers today. 

History

The U.S. Supreme Court heard John L. Brady v. State of Maryland in 1963. It was a case about two men who were separately tried and convicted of murdering an acquaintance. One of the convicts, Donald Boblit, had confessed in writing that he had committed the murder by himself; the other co-defendant, John L. Brady had maintained he had not committed the act. When the appellate court would not grant a retrial based on that evidence, Brady appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court. 

The Supreme Court ruled that the prosecution cannot suppress evidence that is favorable to a defendant who has requested it. Exculpatory evidence that would serve to reduce the defendant’s sentence must also be disclosed by the prosecution. Failing to turn over that information would violate due process, which is outlined in the U.S. Constitution.  

How Brady Evidence Impacts Your NYC Criminal Defense

The responsibilities of prosecutors and defense attorneys are regulated by law and in New York State, it is a requirement for the D.A. to turn over Brady evidence. But no system is perfect and prosecutors have acted egregiously when it comes to Brady material, which has correlated with many wrongful convictions. The National Registry of Exonerations reported that at least 88 of the 234 exonerations in New York State involved withholding Brady material. 

In 2018, the New York Court System took measures to curb that rate by instituting a directive for judges to remind prosecutors in every criminal case to disclose Brady material. This provided a mechanism by which to educate inexperienced prosecutors and defense attorneys − and remind experienced ones − about their constitutional and ethical duties. D’Emilia Law is comprised of former NYC prosecutors. No matter how strongly we built our cases against accused parties, it was our ethical duty and legal obligation to turn over Brady material. 

A qualified NYC criminal defense lawyer will request certain documents and evidence that may exonerate or help a client. Requesting the evidence is an early step toward a strong defense, but it will not guarantee a dismissal or reduced charges. But as previously discussed, if evidence is not turned over in a timely fashion, the defense can move for a trial by invoking New York’s Speedy Trial provision, Section 30.30 of New York Criminal Procedure Law. 

Recalling the favorable resolution we achieved for our client, the Brady evidence certainly strengthened our position during pre-trial stages. By agreeing to the reduced charges, we avoided a trial and any chance of our client serving a lengthy prison sentence.

Contact an NYC Criminal Defense Lawyer 

D’Emilia Law maintains that an arrest is not the end of your life. It is not the same as a conviction. A strong and strategic defense can uphold your innocence, keep you out of jail and reduce your charges and fines. Further, honoring the conditions of your bail or bond will demonstrate your willingness to cooperate with the judicial system. 

If you or a loved one has been charged with any crime in New York, contact D’Emilia Law, criminal defense lawyers in NYC, for a consultation.

For more information visit D’Emilia Law’s Drug Crimes practice area page.   

How Brady Material Can Help Your NYC Criminal Defense
Hazing in New York

What is the Crime of Hazing in New York?

Hazing is often viewed as part of an initiation ritual in college organizations, clubs, and sports. However, these practices can also lead to significant physical harm to a victim. While more colleges are cracking down on hazing, punishment for these offenses isn’t...
Criminal Charges

What’s the Difference Between Having Criminal Charges Dropped Versus Dismissed?

If you’re a defendant in a criminal case, you may be wondering whether it is better to have the charges against you dropped or dismissed. These two results are not the same as being found “not guilty” by a jury — and it’s important to know the difference between them....
Resisting Arrest

What is the Crime of Resisting Arrest?

Resisting arrest by a police officer is a serious matter in New York. If there was a dispute or altercation between you and law enforcement during the arrest process, it can result in additional criminal charges being brought against you. In the event you are facing...
Arraignment

What is an Arraignment?

If you have been arrested for a crime, the first time you will appear in court is at a proceeding called an arraignment. The purpose of the arraignment is for the judge to read the charges against you and find out how you intend to plea. You will also be told what...
Criminal Case

What is a Bench Trial in a Criminal Case?

Most people are familiar with jury trials and know that a defendant has the Constitutional right to be tried by a jury of their peers in a serious criminal case. But a jury trial isn’t always the only option. If you’ve been charged with a felony or certain...
Pre-Trial Motion

What is a Pre-Trial Motion?

If you’ve been charged with a crime, you need a solid defense. One of the tools your criminal defense attorney will use as part of your defense strategy is the filing of pre-trial motions. Depending on the facts and circumstances of your case, a pre-trial motion can...
Zero Tolerance Law

What is New York’s Zero Tolerance Law?

Being charged with drunk driving at any age is a serious criminal offense that can result in steep consequences. However, New York State law provides distinct penalties for underage drivers who have been charged with DWIs. The Zero Tolerance Law specifies a lower...
Appeal

When Can You Appeal a Criminal Case in New York?

If you’ve been convicted of a crime, you might still have the option to continue your defense in some situations. Depending on the circumstances of your case, you might be eligible to appeal the conviction or sentence to achieve a dismissal of your case, a reduction...
Fifth Amendment

Understanding the Protections of the Fifth Amendment

Under the United States Constitution, an individual who has been accused of a crime is protected from self-incrimination. Commonly referred to as “the right to remain silent,” the Fifth Amendment guarantees that a person cannot be compelled by the government to...
Fourth Amendment

What is the Fourth Amendment Protection Against Unreasonable Search and Seizure?

The Fourth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution guarantees protections to individuals from unlawful search and seizure by the government. However, it’s important to understand that this right doesn’t mean you can never be searched by the police. It only extends to...