Critical Analysis of Evidence Leads to Not Guilty Verdict for Client

Dec 05, 2008 - by Richard Samdperil

The client was charged with attempted theft after copper pipes and other bins of metal were found removed from a plumbing van late at night. 

An abandoned car across the street had bins of copper pipe parts.... and the client's driver's license.  Using a dog tracking team, police then located the client, approximately 2 miles away.

NH criminal defense attorney Richard Samdperil successfully argued that the dog only linked the defendant with the car, but not with the pipes outside the plumbing van.

The judge found the client not guilty.

Circumstantial Evidence

Circumstantial evidence cases often turn on how critical facts are interpreted. 

In this case, the police assumed that the client tried to steal the pipes because there were bins of copper pipe parts in the car with his ID.

But the dog tracking team didn't start at the plumbing van, where the crime occured. The dog started tracking from the car, which was across the street.  

The judge agreed that this evidence was insufficient to link the defendant to the crime and entered a not guilty finding.

Experienced NH Criminal Defense Attorneys

If you have been charged with a crime in New Hampshire, you should have an experienced criminal defense attorney review the charges, examine the police reports, and conduct any necessary investigation.  

We've tried hundreds of cases.  Give us a call to schedule a consultation.