What are potential consequences of mishandling evidence in an MA investigation?

• A. The case timeline will slow down.
• B. No action is taken against personnel for mishandling evidence.
• C. The evidence remains admissible regardless of mishandling.
• D. The evidence could be excluded, case weakened or dismissed, and personnel may face disciplinary action.

Answer: (D)

Preserving the integrity of evidence is essential for a credible investigation. If evidence is mishandled, the chain of custody is compromised—how it was collected, stored, logged, and transferred becomes uncertain. When the integrity can’t be established, the evidence can be deemed inadmissible in court or in administrative proceedings, because you can’t prove it’s the original item or untampered. Without that key material, the case loses probative value and may be weakened or dismissed. At the same time, the personnel responsible for handling the evidence can face disciplinary action for failing to follow proper procedures, which reflects the standards and accountability expected in MA investigations.