what is a district attorney discovery

Discovery is the term used to describe the information, facts, documents, and other materials the District Attorney’s Office will rely upon to prosecute a case. The accused person or defendant in a case has the right to obtain access to this information to prepare their defense.

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What is a “discovery” in a Colorado criminal case?

Discovery is the procedure by which the Denver District Attorney’s Office provides information, facts, documents, and other materials to the defense regarding a filed case, as governed by the Colorado Rules of Criminal Procedure. Discovery material is submitted by the Denver Police Department or obtained during further police and district attorney office investigation.

How do I get discovery in a Dallas County case?

Aug 12, 2021 · The discovery process in a criminal case is when the criminal defense attorney and the district attorney obtain copies of the evidence that the other side has gathered. It begins right after the defendant’s arrest – sometimes even before the defendant’s arraignment. It can continue until the last days before trial.

What is a district attorney investigator?

Discovery is the general process of a defendant obtaining information possessed by the District Attorney’s Office regarding a defendant’s case, including documents, video, audio, reports, and other materials under Rule 16 of the Colorado Rules of Criminal Procedure.

Do discovery rules really help defendants at trial?

Discovery is the term used to describe the information, facts, documents, and other materials the District Attorney’s Office relies upon to prosecute a case. The accused person or defendant in a case has the right to obtain access to this information to prepare their defense.

What is discovery information?

Discovery Information#N#Discovery is the term used to describe the information, facts, documents, and other materials the District Attorney’s Office will rely upon to prosecute a case. The accused person or defendant in a case has the right to obtain access to this information to prepare their defense. After a case has been referred to our office by a law enforcement agency and charges have been filed, our office will open a case against the defendant. All investigative reports and other information is placed in the case file as it is received and will become discovery in the case. The discovery will then be available for the defense counsel or the defendant. The District Attorney has an “all or nothing” policy with regard to discovery. All requests for discovery will be treated as continuing requests until a case is closed. Additional discovery received in a case will be processed, and provided until the case is closed or counsel notifies us they have withdrawn.

How long does it take to get a discovery?

Discovery is released on USB drive. Initial discovery for Felony and Juvenile cases are normally available 48 hours after the request is made. Initial discovery for Misdemeanor and Traffic cases may take 2 - 4 weeks to process after request is made.

Why is discovery important?

Discovery is likely a significant reason why at least 90% of criminal cases settle before trial. Issues regarding settlement aside, discovery is intended to help defendants in the sense that prosecutors must hand over certain information that's helpful to the defense.

What is Vy Tummin charged with?

Vy Tummin is charged with assault and battery on a police officer. Vy claims that she reacted in self-defense to the police officer's use of illegal force. The prosecutor plans to show a videotape of the incident to the jury. The prosecutor also has prepared a file memorandum as a self-reminder about what portions of the tape to emphasize during the trial and why those portions are especially significant. Vy's lawyer demands to see the videotape and all the prosecutor's trial memoranda. Discovery rules allow Vy's lawyer to see the videotape. But the prosecutor won't have to turn over the memorandum. The memo is the prosecutor's work product because it contains strategic analysis.

What is discovery in criminal law?

Discovery refer s to all materials/evidence the State plans to use at trial to show the defendant committed a crime. It can also refer to materials the defense is required to give to the State. The government is constitutionally required to disclose all discovery to the defense. In criminal cases discovery often includes police reports, ...

What is a criminal record witness?

The criminal record of a defense witness. Any physical evidence that the defendant intends to offer in evidence at trial. Failure to provide these materials could result in a delay of your case or other penalties.