How Can It Help Your Case?
When you’re facing criminal charges in Arizona, every legal move counts. One of the most powerful tools in your defense attorney’s arsenal is the suppression hearing. This pre-trial procedure can significantly impact the direction and outcome of your case—sometimes even leading to a complete dismissal.
Here’s what you need to know about suppression hearings and how they can help protect your rights.
What Is a Suppression Hearing?
A suppression hearing, also known as a motion to suppress evidence, is a legal proceeding where the defense asks the court to exclude certain evidence from being presented at trial. The primary argument is that the evidence was obtained in violation of your constitutional rights, especially your Fourth Amendment right against unlawful searches and seizures.
This hearing takes place before the trial begins. Your attorney files a motion that explains why specific evidence—such as drugs, weapons, or confessions—should not be used against you. The judge then reviews the legality of how law enforcement collected that evidence.
Common Reasons Evidence May Be Suppressed
In Arizona criminal cases, several scenarios can give rise to a suppression hearing:
- Illegal Search and Seizure: If police conducted a search without a warrant or probable cause, any evidence they gathered may be inadmissible.
- Improper Traffic Stops: If a DUI or drug charge stems from an unlawful stop, anything found afterward may be suppressed.
- Violation of Miranda Rights: If you weren’t properly advised of your rights before a custodial interrogation, your statements could be thrown out.
- Chain of Custody Errors: If evidence was mishandled or improperly stored, it may be deemed unreliable and excluded.
How a Suppression Hearing Can Help Your Case
A successful suppression hearing can drastically weaken the prosecution’s case. Here’s how it may benefit you:
- Leads to Case Dismissal: If the suppressed evidence is critical to the prosecution—such as a DUI breath test or an illegal firearm—removing it may leave them without a case.
- Strengthens Your Negotiation Position: Even if the case isn’t dismissed, it can push prosecutors to offer a favorable plea deal.
- Prevents Jury Bias: Keeping out damaging or improperly obtained evidence ensures a fairer trial.
At Rideout Law Group, we’ve used suppression hearings to challenge illegal traffic stops, improper searches, and flawed police procedures across Scottsdale, Lake Havasu City, and surrounding Arizona communities.
Why You Need a Skilled Arizona Defense Attorney
Suppression hearings require a deep understanding of both constitutional law and local court procedures. At Rideout Law Group, our attorneys—including Brad Rideout, Carolyn Keist-Gilbert, George Hibbeler, and Steven Eckhardt—have decades of combined courtroom experience and a track record of success in suppression motions.
We carefully review police reports, body cam footage, and witness statements to identify any constitutional violations. If your rights were infringed, we’ll file a motion to suppress and argue your case before a judge—aggressively protecting your freedom at every stage.
Take Action Today
If you or a loved one is facing criminal charges in Arizona, don’t assume the evidence against you is untouchable. A suppression hearing could be the turning point in your case.
📍 Scottsdale Office: (480) 584-3328 | 11111 N Scottsdale Rd, Suite 225
📍 Lake Havasu City Office: (928) 854-8181 | 2800 Sweetwater Ave, Suite A104
📝 Contact us today for a free case review and learn how we can fight to exclude illegally obtained evidence and protect your future.
This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Reading this content does not create an attorney-client relationship. For legal guidance specific to your situation, please contact a licensed attorney at Rideout Law Group.