Understanding Motions to Suppress in Florida Criminal Cases

Introduction

A motion to suppress is one of the most powerful tools in criminal defense, allowing a defendant to exclude illegally obtained evidence from being used against them in court. If law enforcement violated a person’s constitutional rightsduring an arrest, search, or interrogation, a criminal defense attorney can file a motion to suppress to challenge the admissibility of that evidence.

This guide explains how motions to suppress work in Florida criminal cases, the legal grounds for suppression, and how they can impact the outcome of a case.

What Is a Motion to Suppress?

A motion to suppress is a formal legal request asking the court to exclude certain evidence from trial because it was obtained in violation of the defendant’s constitutional rights or Florida law. If the court grants the motion, the prosecution cannot use the suppressed evidence, which can significantly weaken their case or even lead to a dismissal.

Common reasons for filing a motion to suppress include:

• Illegal searches and seizures (Fourth Amendment violations).
• Unlawful traffic stops or detentions.
• Coerced or improperly obtained confessions (Fifth Amendment violations).
• Failure to read Miranda rights before interrogation.
• Warrants based on false or misleading information.

If the prosecution relies heavily on suppressed evidence, winning a suppression motion can cripple their case and lead to charges being reduced or dismissed.

Legal Grounds for a Motion to Suppress in Florida

A motion to suppress must be based on a constitutional or procedural violation by law enforcement. Below are the most common legal grounds for suppression in Florida criminal cases.

1. Illegal Search and Seizure (Fourth Amendment Violation)

• The Fourth Amendment protects individuals from unreasonable searches and seizures.
• If law enforcement searches a person, home, or vehicle without a valid warrant or legal justification, any evidence found may be inadmissible in court.

Example:
An officer searches a driver’s car without probable cause or consent and finds drugs. If the search violated the Fourth Amendment, the defendant can file a motion to suppress the drugs as evidence.

2. Illegal Traffic Stops

• Police must have reasonable suspicion of a crime or traffic violation before pulling someone over.
• If an officer stops a vehicle without a legal reason, any evidence found during the stop may be suppressed.

Example:
A driver is stopped for no apparent reason, and the officer discovers an illegal firearm. If the stop was unconstitutional, the firearm evidence may be excluded.

3. Violation of Miranda Rights (Fifth Amendment Violation)

• Police must inform suspects of their rights (Miranda warnings) before conducting a custodial interrogation.
• If a suspect was not properly advised of their right to remain silent and have an attorney, any statements made may be suppressed.

Example:
A suspect confesses to a crime before being read their Miranda rights. If they were in police custody and interrogated, their confession may not be used in court.

4. Coerced Confessions or Improper Police Conduct

• A confession must be voluntary—it cannot be obtained through threats, force, or deception.
• If police intimidate, threaten, or trick a suspect into confessing, the statement may be suppressed.

Example:
An officer tells a suspect, “If you don’t confess, I’ll make sure you get the maximum sentence.” If the suspect confesses under pressure, their statement may be inadmissible in court.

5. Defective Search Warrants

• A search warrant must be based on probable cause and signed by a judge.
• If the warrant is invalid or based on false information, any evidence seized may be suppressed.

Example:
Police obtain a search warrant based on false information from an unreliable source. Any evidence collected using that warrant may be excluded from trial.

How a Motion to Suppress Works in Florida

Step 1: Filing the Motion

• The defense attorney files a written motion with the court.
• The motion identifies the evidence to be suppressed and explains why it was obtained illegally.

Step 2: Pre-Trial Suppression Hearing

• The judge holds a hearing where both the defense and prosecution present arguments.
• The burden of proof is on the defense to show a constitutional violation occurred.
• The prosecution may call police officers or witnesses to justify the search, stop, or interrogation.

Step 3: Judge’s Ruling

• If the judge grants the motion, the evidence is excluded from trial.
• If the motion is denied, the prosecution can use the evidence in court.

A successful motion to suppress can weaken the prosecution’s case, leading to:

• Dismissal of charges (if key evidence is suppressed).
• Reduced charges or plea deals (if the case becomes harder to prosecute).
• A stronger defense at trial (if damaging evidence is excluded).

Examples of Successful Motions to Suppress

Example 1: Drug Possession Case

• Scenario: A person is stopped for a minor traffic violation. The officer searches the vehicle without consent or probable cause and finds illegal drugs.
• Defense Argument: The search violated the Fourth Amendment because there was no legal justification.
• Outcome: The judge suppresses the drugs as evidence, leading to the case being dismissed.

Example 2: DUI Case with Miranda Violation

• Scenario: A suspect is arrested for DUI and interrogated without being read Miranda rights.
• Defense Argument: The suspect’s self-incriminating statements were obtained unlawfully.
• Outcome: The statements cannot be used in court, weakening the prosecution’s case.

Example 3: Firearm Possession Case

• Scenario: A police officer stops a driver without reasonable suspicion, searches the car, and finds an unregistered firearm.
• Defense Argument: The traffic stop was unlawful, making the search invalid.
• Outcome: The firearm evidence is excluded, and the charges are dismissed.

Defenses Against a Motion to Suppress

The prosecution may argue against suppression by claiming:

• The search or seizure was lawful under an exception (such as probable cause or exigent circumstances).
• The defendant voluntarily consented to the search or interrogation.
• The evidence would have been discovered anyway under the inevitable discovery doctrine.

If the prosecution successfully challenges the motion, the evidence remains admissible at trial.

Why Motions to Suppress Are Critical in Criminal Defense

Filing a motion to suppress can:

• Eliminate key evidence from the prosecution’s case.
• Reduce charges or lead to case dismissal.
• Expose police misconduct or constitutional violations.

If you are facing criminal charges, a motion to suppress could be the key to your defense.

How a Criminal Defense Attorney Can Help

A criminal defense attorney can:

• Identify constitutional violations in your case.
• File a motion to suppress and argue for exclusion of evidence.
• Challenge police misconduct and improper search procedures.
• Negotiate dismissals or reduced charges based on suppressed evidence.

At Bonderud Law, we help clients fight illegal searches, unlawful arrests, and coerced confessions. If you believe your rights were violated, contact us today for a free consultation.

Conclusion

A motion to suppress is a powerful legal tool that can exclude unlawfully obtained evidence from a Florida criminal case. If law enforcement violated your rights during a search, traffic stop, or interrogation, a suppression motion can weaken or dismiss the prosecution’s case.

If you are facing criminal charges and believe evidence was obtained illegally, consulting with an experienced criminal defense attorney can help protect your rights and strengthen your defense.