Digital criminal prosecution

evidence in the information age

Abstract

This article explores criminal investigation in the digital environment, based on a homicide case that occurred in Santa Maria (RS) in 2023. The research problem concerns the role of digital evidence in solving complex crimes, such as homicide, and the effectiveness of technological tools used for collecting and analyzing such evidence. The main objective is to analyze the impact of digital evidence on crime resolution and propose improvements for criminal investigations in the digital context. The study is justified by the growing importance of digital evidence in criminal proceedings and the increase in cybercrimes, which demand modernization in investigative practices. The methodology adopted is qualitative, involving a literature review and a case study analysis based on primary sources. The research demonstrates the relevance of digital evidence in criminal investigations and suggests strategies for enhancing police work. The article covers a literature review on digital evidence in criminal proceedings, the methodology used, the analysis of the specific case, and the discussion of the results. The findings indicate that technological tools were crucial for evidence collection and suspect identification, reinforcing the importance of these technologies in investigative processes.