Over the last 20+ years of practicing criminal defense law in Lexington and Columbia we've seen numerous situations where people are arrested based on false or unfair circumstances. Many times people found themselves in a bad situation generally, and ended up being unfairly charged as a result. We've also seen what is less common, but even more alarming, are situations where people are arrested as Mr. Snell refers to "out of thin air." These are situations where people had absolutely no connection whatsoever to the circumstances of a case, but were still arrested and detained. This blog discusses some of the common causes of these situations:
1. Incomplete Investigations
Police investigations are the cornerstone of the criminal justice system. However, when investigations are rushed or incomplete, innocent individuals may be wrongfully arrested. Officers may fail to interview all relevant witnesses, overlook critical evidence, or focus too narrowly on a single suspect. These oversights can lead to arrests based on incomplete or misleading information. One of the central defenses in a criminal cases can be the lack of an investigation or errors made by the police. When we discovery the police cut corners that is something we can exploit as part of our client's defense in court.
2. Pressure to Act in Sensitive Cases
In cases involving allegations such as child sexual abuse, police may feel an overwhelming pressure to act swiftly. Even when there is no corroborative evidence to support the claim, officers might choose to make an arrest to avoid potential backlash for perceived inaction. You may have heard of this principal over the last few years being called the #MeToo movement.
Similarly, in domestic violence cases, police often operate under the assumption that they are required to make an arrest whenever responding to a dispute, regardless of the evidence or circumstances. This practice, while intended to protect potential victims, can result in innocent individuals being arrested simply because an officer believes it is a procedural obligation.
3. Mistaken Eyewitness Identification
Eyewitness testimony is often treated as reliable, but studies show that it can be fraught with errors. Stress, poor lighting, or the passage of time can all impair a witness’s ability to accurately recall and identify a suspect. These inaccuracies have led to countless wrongful arrests and, in some cases, wrongful convictions. We've situations where honest people are certain that they are identifying the correct criminal in a case, only to have it later determined it was someone completely unconnected to the case.
4. Bias or Preconceived Notions
Police officers, like everyone else, are susceptible to implicit biases. These biases may lead officers to focus on individuals who fit certain stereotypes or preconceived ideas about who might be responsible for a crime. Such assumptions can overshadow objective evidence and result in unjust arrests, especially for individuals from marginalized or vulnerable communities. This isn't just limited to racial bias, but frequently young people and poor people can be unfairly targeted for police interactions.
5. Pressure to Solve Cases Quickly
High-profile crimes or cases with significant public attention often come with immense pressure to identify and arrest a suspect quickly. In their haste to demonstrate progress, law enforcement may rely on circumstantial evidence or questionable leads, which can lead to the wrongful arrest of an innocent person. Sometimes, this pressure stems from practical concerns—for example, when a police call occurs close to the end of the responding officer’s shift. Rather than spend additional time determining what happened, a quick arrest may be made to avoid working overtime. This tendency highlights the need for careful, deliberate investigations, even under public scrutiny.
Final Thoughts
Arrests of innocent individuals are not just tragic for those accused; they erode public trust in the justice system and divert resources from finding the true perpetrators. If you or someone you know has been wrongfully arrested, it’s critical to seek the assistance of a knowledgeable criminal defense attorney who can thoroughly investigate the case and advocate for justice.