What does it mean when a motion to suppress is granted?

When a motion to suppress is granted, it signifies that certain evidence collected during an investigation is ruled inadmissible in court. The basis for this ruling often stems from violations of constitutional rights, particularly the Fourth Amendment, which protects citizens against unreasonable searches and seizures. When evidence is deemed inadmissible, it essentially means that law enforcement gathered it unlawfully or without proper justification, making it unreliable for prosecution purposes.

In practical terms, if evidence cannot be used in court, it can significantly weaken a prosecutor's case because vital data that would support the prosecution's claims or establish essential elements of a crime is no longer available. Thus, the granting of a motion to suppress can alter the trajectory of a legal case and potentially lead to its dismissal if the remaining evidence is insufficient to proceed.