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No, you can't. The prosecution cannot open its case by announcing that no evidence will be presented. If he were to do so, the court would either dismiss the case with prejudice or direct the jury to return a verdict of not guilty. The government must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. This cannot be done without some evidence, even if it is all circumstantial, being presented.
Wiki User
∙ 13y ago
Wiki User
∙ 10y agoYes, unfortunately. It happens every day.
Additional: (in the US) It IS possible that someone could be arrested and held in jail prior to their presentment in court based on probable cause (PC) alone. However, in order for that person to ultimately be convicted of an offense and sentenced to a term in jail or in prison without ANY evidence whatseover being presented in court is highly unlikely.
After their arrest, subsequent investigation might disclose that what originally was thought to be PC was, in fact, not. In other words: there may have been legally sufficient PC to support the arrest, but further investigation disclosed insufficient evidence to proceed with a prosecution. The arresting officer could present the case to the prosecutor, but with insufficient (or no) evidence a Nolle Prosequi would, in all likelihood, be the result.
Wiki User
∙ 11y agoYes. It happens all the time. Sometimes it is merely harassment by the police. However, it is often necessary to detain a suspect even without finding evidence, while you look for the evidence itself.
There are limits on how long a person can be detained. There are also rules about what constitutes sufficient evidence. The system isn't perfect, and sometimes the police abuse it illegally. Most of the time, they follow the rules.
If you (or someone you know) is having trouble with the police, I strongly suggest you (they) talk to a lawyer.
Wiki User
∙ 14y agonot nowdays. b4 the constitution though, u hardly ever got a trial
Wiki User
∙ 10y agoMaybe.... Someone can accuse you of a crime and file charges based on their report but you can't be CONVICTED without evidence.
Wiki User
∙ 11y agoYes, you can be charged with a crime without evidence. It's happened many times before. However, can you be convicted without evidence is entirely different. That answer would be no.
Wiki User
∙ 15y agoof course not!!
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Do you need to be charged for a crime before police can take belongings for evidence?
No.Additional: If the police have probable cause to arrest you for the crime they can begin gathering and/or preserving evidence of the offense immediately without awaiting the formal court charging documents.
Is it legal to charge someone with a felony if there is no evidence supporting it?
No, to be charged for a crime in the court of law there has to be supporting evidence.
Can two people be charged with the same case or is that double jeopady?
Two people can be charged with the same crime. Double Jeopardy refers to charging one person with something, the accused being found not guilty in a trial, then being charged with the same crime again - without any new evidence.
Can someone else be charged for a crime if it is dismiss?
If the charges are dismissed, it can be charged again if sufficient additional evidence is presented.
Can you try a different suspect for a crime charged to a previous suspect?
If you have enough evidence.
Can you be charged with a crime that hasn't been caught on tape?
Definantly only if there is evidence and enough of a reason why they would commit the crime.
Can you later be charged with a crime even if you were only detained and not cited?
Yes. If an investigation reveals that there is enough evidence against you to charge you - you will be charged.
Is being charged with a crime the same as an indictment for a crime?
Yes and no, to be indicted with a crime is to be a charged with a crime. However, the difference lies in the fact that you can be charged with a crime based on probable cause, where as to be indicted, a grand jury must review the information to determine if their is sufficient evidence to proceed with charging someone with a crime.So basically:Indicted: Prosecutor is not positive they have enough probable cause to charge a person with the commission of a crime so they use a grand jury to provide the evidence to a group of unbiased people to determine if they feel there is enough evidence to move forward with chargesCharged: Prosecutor has sufficient evidence to proceed with a criminal trial and feels they can prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you have committed a crime.
Can you get charged with a crime if people just say you did it and you say you didnt but your fingerprints come up in the crime?
Yes. Witness testimony combined with fingerprint evidence is pretty strong evidence in a criminal trial.
Does the state investigate for evidense if you are been charge with a crime?
If you are being charged with a crime, by the State, then yes, they will look for evidence. There may be a ton of evidence, or there may just be a little. Either way, they are likely to find it.
Can you be charged with a crime without being notified?
yes you can. you may not know its a crime, but either way it still is and can be prevented.
Is heresay enough evidence for probable cause in a criminal case for an arrest with out substancial evidence if a person or persons that committed the crime places you at the seen of the crime?
An answer to this questions depends on the facts of the case. If a person has been charged with a crime he should discuss it with his attorney.
