What is a common consequence of a lack of thorough evidence collection at a crime scene?

Prosecution becomes more difficult due to a lack of thorough evidence collection at a crime scene because strong, reliable evidence is crucial for building a case. When evidence is not collected comprehensively, it can lead to gaps in the narrative of what occurred, making it challenging to convince a judge or jury of the defendant's guilt. This can result in weaker arguments during trial, as the prosecution may struggle to establish key elements of the crime, such as motive, opportunity, and the involvement of the suspect. Without solid evidence, the likelihood of a successful conviction decreases significantly, demonstrating the importance of meticulous evidence handling in criminal investigations.

Inadequate evidence can contribute to various legal outcomes, but it does not directly imply that cases will be dismissed, all suspects will be released, or that retrials will occur, as those scenarios depend on a variety of factors beyond just evidence collection.