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Chain of Custody

Introduction

Chain of custody refers to the documented history of evidence from the moment it is collected to the moment it is presented in court.

Every step matters. Who collected the evidence, how it was labeled, where it was stored, and who handled it afterward all affect whether an item can be reliably connected to a case. Understanding chain of custody is essential to understanding how evidence is evaluated and challenged in Criminal Defense.

Evidence Must Be Accounted for at Every Stage

Evidence does not exist in isolation.

Once an item is collected, it may pass through multiple hands. Officers, evidence technicians, laboratory personnel, and storage facilities all become part of the evidentiary record. Each transfer must be documented.

Breaks in documentation raise questions about whether an item is the same one originally collected.

Documentation and Tracking

Chain of custody is established through records.

These may include evidence logs, property tags, laboratory submission forms, and storage records. Dates, times, and identities of handlers are recorded to create a continuous history.

Incomplete or inconsistent documentation can undermine confidence in the integrity of evidence.

Storage and Preservation

Proper storage is a critical part of custody.

Evidence must be stored in conditions that prevent contamination, degradation, or substitution. Biological samples, digital media, and physical objects each require different handling procedures.

Improper storage may affect testing results or the condition of an item by the time it is examined.

Transfers and Testing

Many evidentiary items are transferred for analysis.

Laboratory testing introduces additional custody steps. Items must be sealed, logged, and tracked through submission, testing, and return. Each transfer adds complexity and increases the importance of accurate documentation.

Errors during these stages are common points of challenge.

Chain of Custody and Reliability

Chain of custody does not require absolute perfection.

Courts generally look for reasonable assurance that evidence has not been altered or substituted. However, unexplained gaps, missing records, or contradictory documentation can raise sufficient doubt to affect admissibility or weight.

The strength of chain of custody often depends on how clearly the record accounts for each step.

Relationship to Forensic Evidence

Forensic testing depends on custody integrity.

Even scientifically reliable tests lose value if it cannot be shown that the tested item is the same item collected from the scene or individual. Chain of custody links physical evidence to forensic results.

These issues intersect closely with those discussed on the Physical and Forensic Evidence page.

How Chain of Custody Is Challenged

Challenges focus on continuity and documentation.

Common areas of examination include:

Missing or incomplete records
Unexplained transfers or delays
Improper sealing or labeling
Storage conditions
Conflicts between testimony and documentation

These challenges may affect admissibility or reduce the weight given to evidence.

How Chain of Custody Fits Into Criminal Defense

Chain of custody is often overlooked until problems arise.

Because it is procedural, it may appear technical. In practice, it can determine whether evidence is trusted or excluded. Defense review routinely examines custody records alongside testing results and reports.

Understanding chain of custody explains why evidence handling is as important as evidence content.

Practical Takeaway

Evidence must be traceable to be reliable.

Chain of custody provides that traceability. When the record clearly accounts for evidence, it supports admissibility. When it does not, it creates doubt.

That is why chain of custody is a central issue in investigation and evidence review.