Alternate Discovery Methods for a Defendant

A defendant is entitled to conduct discovery prior to his criminal trial. There are numerous alternative methods in which the defendant may conduct discovery in order to obtain information prior to his trial.

Lie Detector Tests and Polygraphs

A lie detector test or a polygraph test is used to determine whether the defendant or witness shows physiological and psychological reactions in response to certain questions. These tests are typically given if it is believed that the defendant or a witness is intentionally trying to deceive authorities or attorneys. There are various types of lie detector tests.

FEDERAL HABEAS CORPUS RELIEF

A state prisoner who has been incarcerated for a criminal offense by a state court may challenge his or her conviction by filing a petition for habeas corpus relief in a federal court. The federal court has jurisdiction over the prisoner's custody in a state correctional institution if the incarceration constitutes a violation of the United States Constitution or the laws of the United States. The prisoner's federal habeas corpus petition seeks to secure the release of the prisoner from an unlawful custody. However, in order to be able to file the federal habeas corpus petition, the prisoner must be in custody, the custody must be unlawful, and the prisoner must have exhausted his or her state remedies.

Circumstantial, Direct and Relevant Evidence

All evidence must be relevant in order for it to be admissible. There are numerous instances when relevant evidence is not admissible for various reasons including hearsay. Evidence itself falls into one of two categories, direct or circumstantial.

Aiding and Abetting Illegal Aliens and Employment of Illegal Aliens

An illegal alien is a person born in a foreign country who has come into the United States by way of improper channels. Illegal aliens may enter the United States by crossing the Mexican or Canadian border. They are also smuggled in by means of transportation by roadway or waterway.