Can Body Cam Footage Be Used Against You in Court?
If you’re like many people involved in the criminal justice system, the police who arrested you were wearing body cameras at the time of your arrest. Is that possible for the police to turn that footage over to the prosecutor in your case, and if so, can the prosecutor use body cam footage against you in court? Here’s what you need to know.
Can Body Cam Footage Be Used Against You in Court?
Body camera footage is used in court every day across Wisconsin. It’s an official record of the circumstances of a person’s arrest, and it is admissible in court. In fact, body-worn camera and dashboard camera footage are often admitted at trial to corroborate a police officer version of events. This footage often includes the circumstances leading up to an arrest, during an arrest and after an arrest.
State and federal courts have acknowledged that this type of footage can be useful in verifying a police officer’s version of events. Therefore, it is admissible in court and the prosecutor in your case can use it against you.
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Body Cam Footage Goes Both Ways
In some cases, body camera footage can be used to show that a police officer acted improperly during your arrest. In a situation like that, your criminal defense attorney will request to see the footage and may ask that it be entered as evidence in your case.
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Do You Need to Talk to an Attorney About Body Cam Footage of You Being Used in Court?
Regardless of the type of crime you are accused of committing, you are entitled to legal representation. Whether or not the police have body cam or dashcam footage of your arrest, you should consult with an attorney who can help you get the best possible outcome in your case. Call our office at 414-383-6700 or contact us online to schedule your free consultation with a criminal defense attorney now.