Video Surveillance Evidence. When it comes to submitting video surveillance in Texas, there are some special rules that you should know. This is especially important if you’re using video surveillance footage as evidence in a criminal trial in the Lone Star State.
How to Get Video Surveillance into Evidence
In Texas, it is considered to be hearsay and, as such, is not admissible in court. However, certain exceptions can be made if the video footage has been copied and authenticated as an original recording if the footage was taken in a public space, such as a shopping mall or other open area. Additionally, if the video was taken in a private residence or business, then the owner of the footage can attest to its authenticity and accuracy.
Texas Rules of Evidence
In order to submit the footage as evidence in a criminal trial, the rules laid out by Texas law must be met. This includes proving that the footage is authentic, that it is not forged in any way, and that the video was taken in a legally authorized manner.
The evidence must also be relevant to the case and should be supplemented with other audio or visual evidence. Furthermore, the presentation of the video should be done in a way that is clear and coherent for the judge and jury to understand.
Overall, video surveillance evidence can be a powerful tool in criminal cases in Texas. But before any footage can be used, the necessary steps must be taken to ensure that the evidence meets the state’s laws. Making sure to understand how the rules apply in Texas can go a long way in filing a successful criminal case.