Criminal Law Legal Guide

Turning State's Evidence and Organized Crime

Turning state's evidence is something that those who have watched a number of films dealing with organized crime are quite familiar with. Most familiar with the concept of turning state's evidence, would be those members of an organized crime family that are serving time behind bars because someone turned state's evidence and helped lead to their conviction. Some may consider this type of testimony the testimony of a 'rat,' a 'snitch,' or a 'turncoat.' The reality of the situation is the fact that this type of testimony remains a viable method of someone facing criminal charges of avoiding either prison time completely or having a reduced sentence imposed as a 'reward' for the testimony.

In a very abbreviated definition, turning state's evidence involves someone facing criminal charges having the opportunity to cut a deal in return for testifying against another person. Usually, this is the result of law enforcement being more interested in the conviction of a more dangerous criminal. In that regard, the idea of offering the opportunity of turning state's evidence is attractive to both law enforcement and to the person initially arrested, although the popularity of allowing a defendant to take this option is not always high among the general public. This is not a popularity contest but is about a defendant and the state working out a deal where turning states evidence will be beneficial to all parties involved.

For those who have followed the history of organized crime in the United States there is a very obvious trend that can be noticed. In the early days of organized crime in the US, there were very few criminal arrests or convictions. In fact, prior to the RICCO statute, organized crime convictions were rare. When variants on traditional justice such as the Witness Relocation Program and the ability for a defendant to be offered the option of turning states evidence, the number of convictions against organized crime figures skyrocketed. In that regard, the concept and execution of turning state's evidence became a major factor in the reduction of organized crime's ability to stay relevant in the world.

Turning state's evidence is not something one can do easily. There are rare examples where turning state's evidence will be offered or accepted, but it still remains a viable option for those who are facing long criminal penalties for their actions. Seek an attorney for the best advice available.