Caught on Camera: What Surveillance Footage Means for Your Criminal Case
In today’s world, cameras are everywhere—doorbells, parking lots, retail stores, public streets, and even private homes. So when someone is accused of a crime, it’s increasingly common for surveillance or video footage to play a central role in the investigation and trial. But does being caught on camera automatically mean you’re guilty? Not necessarily. At the Law Office of Erin Bradley McAleer, we know that video evidence can either support your defense—or be used out of context to unfairly damage your case.
If you’re facing charges in Clark County or anywhere in Washington, here’s what you need to know about how surveillance footage works in criminal court.
When Video Hurts Your Defense
Prosecutors often treat video footage as undeniable proof—especially in cases involving theft, assault, or property damage. A few seconds of grainy footage can seem conclusive, particularly when presented without explanation or context. But at the Law Office of Erin Bradley McAleer, we’ve handled many cases where what seemed like “clear” footage turned out to be misleading or incomplete.
Many times, surveillance videos:
- Lack sound or show only part of the incident
- Are recorded from poor angles or obstructed views
- Omit the events leading up to the incident
- Fail to show intent or context—key elements in criminal law
Just because something appears on video doesn’t mean it tells the full story—or proves guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
When Video Helps Your Defense
On the other hand, we’ve also seen surveillance footage vindicate clients who were falsely accused. A properly preserved video clip might show:
- You were not the person involved
- You acted in self-defense
- The event never occurred as claimed
- The timeline contradicts the prosecution’s theory
At the Law Office of Erin Bradley McAleer, we work to uncover video evidence that supports your version of events—and highlight how it aligns with witness statements, cell phone records, or alibi testimony. We’ve had real success in Clark County courts using this kind of visual proof to challenge the prosecution’s case.
Is All Video Admissible in Court?
Not always. Like any evidence, surveillance must meet legal standards before it can be used in trial. If a video was illegally obtained, altered, or lacks proper documentation (known as chain of custody), we can file a motion to have it excluded. Body cam or store surveillance footage might also violate privacy laws depending on where and how it was captured.
At the Law Office of Erin Bradley McAleer, we scrutinize all video evidence for errors, gaps, or legal flaws—and we never assume footage tells the whole truth.
How Our Office Approaches Video Evidence
When surveillance is part of a criminal case, we take a strategic, forensic approach. Our team reviews:
- The full footage—not just edited clips
- Time stamps, lighting, and visibility
- Whether footage was obtained lawfully
- How it fits with the rest of the evidence
- What is not shown that could help your defense
In some cases, we bring in video analysts or experts to clarify what’s being seen—or to challenge misleading interpretations by the prosecution. Every frame is examined through the lens of reasonable doubt.
Video Isn’t the End of the Story—It’s Just the Beginning
If you’ve been caught on camera, don’t panic—and don’t give up. Surveillance footage can be misinterpreted, misused, or misrepresented. With the right legal defense, you can fight back and tell your full side of the story.
The Law Office of Erin Bradley McAleer has helped clients across Clark County and Washington navigate video-heavy criminal cases with success and discretion. If you’re facing charges, don’t leave your future to chance—contact us today for a confidential consultation.