If you have been falsely charged with a crime, there may be evidence that supports an alibi defense. For example, there may be surveillance video that shows you at a location other than the crime scene at the time of the crime or your cell phone might show that you were in another state altogether.  Unfortunately, this evidence will not be accessible forever. Video surveillance is often only stored for a short period of time and cell phone records, depending on the company, are only stored for about 10-90 days.

However, if hired in time, a lawyer can send something called a spoliation letter to companies demanding that certain evidence is preserved. This letter simply alerts the company that a criminal investigation is ongoing and that the evidence should be preserved to assist your attorney in supporting your alibi. For example, if you are charged with murder in Fulton County but you were shopping at a Walmart in Cobb County at the time of the murder, it is important that we reach out to Walmart and preserve the surveillance video of you entering the store at the time of the murder. Or, if you are charged with an armed robbery in Dekalb County but your cell phone is pinging off a tower in Gwinnett County at the time of the robbery, it is important that the location data from your cell phone is preserved.

In this situation, time really is of the essence. The lawyers at W. Scott Smith recognize that swift action is required in situations like this. If you are charged with a crime and believe that evidence exists that proves your innocence, call our office at 404-581-0999 for a free consultation.