Direct and Circumstantial Evidence in Rhode Island

We have all seen courtroom TV and movie dramas where evidence becomes a linchpin. One side has—sometimes literally—a smoking gun, while the other side declares the evidence to be ‘purely circumstantial.’ Because evidence is such a common plot device, our law firm often hears questions about the true definitions of direct and circumstantial evidence in Rhode Island.

It is important to know that these moments are pure entertainment, not an accurate depiction of what you can expect in court. Quite simply, you are not guaranteed to win a favorable outcome just because all the evidence is circumstantial.

What is Direct Evidence in Rhode Island’s Legal System?

In Rhode Island’s legal system, direct evidence is evidence that directly links an individual to a crime. This type of evidence clearly demonstrates certain aspects of the offense and therefore shines light on whether the defendant is guilty.

Direct evidence can take many forms, such as:

• Witness testimony of the alleged crime
• Admissions made by the defendant and/or any involved parties
• Physical evidence of the crime
• Video footage of the crime
• Documents which prove material facts of the crime

But it also needs to be said that if evidence falls into one of these categories, it does not automatically become direct evidence. Below are examples to illustrate this point.

Examples of Direct Evidence in RI

If a witness saw the defendant commit the crime with their own eyes, this would be considered direct evidence. The exact crime is not important—whether it was a robbery, gun crime, or even homicide, eyewitness testimony of the crime is direct evidence.

You are most likely aware that you may incriminate yourself if you choose not to remain silent after arrest. Making admissions to law enforcement officials about committing the crime would be considered direct evidence, such as, “I punched my neighbor this morning to teach him a lesson about parking in my driveway.”

Later in this article, we will give similar examples to demonstrate the difference between direct and circumstantial evidence in Rhode Island.

How is Circumstantial Evidence Defined in Rhode Island Courts?

Circumstantial evidence in Rhode Island courts is defined as evidence that indirectly implies important facts about the crime but does not directly prove or confirm anything. This kind of evidence could indicate guilt in certain circumstances, hence the name.

Like direct evidence, circumstantial evidence can fall into one of several categories:

• Forensic evidence
• Witness testimony that could be related to the crime
• Physical evidence that seems to match up with the alleged offense
• Video or photographic evidence that places the defendant near the crime scene
• Documents that may be tied to elements of the crime

Circumstantial evidence is also similar to direct evidence in that there is no hard and fast rule regarding categories. In fact, you likely noticed that direct and circumstantial evidence in Rhode Island has quite a bit of overlap.

Examples of Circumstantial Evidence in RI

For this example, imagine a convenience store has been robbed. Video footage shows the criminal was wearing a red shirt, and an eyewitness saw a man in a red shirt running away from that same convenience store around the time of the robbery.

Did the witness see the robber, or did they happen to see someone running late who happened to be wearing a red shirt? This witness testimony would be considered circumstantial evidence.

Forensic evidence is virtually always circumstantial because it requires interpretation. Continuing with the robbery example, imagine fingerprints are found on the cashier counter at the scene of the crime. Are those fingerprints certain to belong to the criminal, or could a customer have left them earlier in the day?

Without any further information, the answer is open to the jury’s and the court’s interpretation. This makes it circumstantial evidence.

How Do Rhode Island Courts Differentiate Between Direct and Circumstantial Evidence?

Rhode Island courts differentiate between direct and circumstantial evidence in this way:

“Direct evidence includes such things as the testimony of an eyewitness who personally observed the fact in question or a photograph or document showing the actual thing described.

Circumstantial evidence consists of proof of a series of facts or circumstances from which the existence or nonexistence of another fact may be reasonably inferred.”

Rhode Island courts also make it very clear that neither type of evidence has any more weight over the other. So long as any claims and facts are proved beyond a reasonable doubt, the type of evidence used to do so is irrelevant.

Can a Case in Rhode Island Be Won Solely on Circumstantial Evidence?

Yes, a case in Rhode Island can be won solely on circumstantial evidence. This is not at all an uncommon occurrence—most criminal convictions are achieved entirely with circumstantial evidence.

As stated earlier, this is why it is so imperative to understand that what you see happen in courtrooms on TV is fictionalized drama. Having both direct and circumstantial evidence in Rhode Island criminal cases is simply not necessary for a guilty verdict to be reached.

However, there are established standards of proof which must be met. Basically, there must be a certain amount of evidence to prove a claim. In Rhode Island criminal cases, the prosecution must beyond a reasonable doubt that you both committed the crime and were mentally aware that you were doing so.

What Legal Standards Govern the Admissibility of Direct Evidence in Rhode Island?

The legal standards that govern the admissibility of direct evidence in Rhode Island can be found in the Rhode Island Rules of Evidence, and they include:

• The court makes the determination on admissibility questions
• If evidence’s relevancy depends on certain conditions, it is only admissible if additional evidence demonstrating those conditions is also submitted
• Hearings on admissibility will be conducted away from the jury’s presence
• Both parties have the right to introduce evidence that is relevant to credibility or the weight of other evidence
• When evidence is admissible for a purpose for one party but inadmissible to the other, the court may restrict the evidence to the appropriate scope and instruct the jury as needed
• If a portion of a written or recorded statement is introduced, the other party may require the entire transcript/recording to be shared

So, what makes evidence inadmissible in court? This can happen if:

• The evidence is not relevant or reliable enough
• The evidence is clearly prejudiced or hearsay
• The evidence was collected through illegal means

If this or certain other scenarios occur, a skilled Rhode Island criminal defense attorney can file a motion to suppress the evidence, meaning it will not have any bearing on the verdict in your case.

Lastly, just because evidence is “weak” does not mean it is inadmissible in court. Ultimately, it is up to the judge or jury—whoever is the fact finder in that specific criminal case.

Working with a Highly Experienced Rhode Island Criminal Defense Lawyer Can Make or Break Your Case

All in all, understanding the differences between direct and circumstantial evidence in Rhode Island is very helpful. This knowledge gives you a much clearer view of how your case is proceeding and the potential outcomes.

But at the same time, this knowledge is not enough on its own to give you much control.

You see, a Rhode Island criminal defense attorney’s role is so much more than understanding the evidence in question— they must also research how the evidence was obtained, its relevance, and whether it can be used in court. Whether circumstantial or direct, an attentive, skilled attorney will take steps to suppress certain pieces of evidence when possible.If you have been charged with a crime or have further questions about direct and circumstantial evidence in Rhode Island, contact the RI Criminal Defense Law Office of John L. Calcagni III, Inc. now at 401-351-5100 for your free consultation.