Case Dismissed: When the State Destroys Exculpatory Evidence, Justice Demands Accountability

The Court has dismissed all charges with prejudice in one of our recent cases after finding that the State destroyed exculpatory evidence.

This outcome underscores a cornerstone of due process: when the government suppresses or destroys evidence that could aid the defense, it undermines the integrity of the entire proceeding. Courts have long recognized that such misconduct cannot be remedied by cross-examination or closing argument—it strikes at the very heart of fairness itself.

The Court’s order (linked below) affirms that dismissal is not an extraordinary remedy when the State’s actions compromise a defendant’s ability to receive a fair trial. It is the only remedy that fully vindicates the constitutional promise of due process.

At Fayerberg Dodd, we believe that accountability within the justice system protects everyone—because the rule of law means little if it bends when the State breaks the rules.

Read the Court's Order here.