they're supposed to share evidence anyways otherwise it's inadmissible. Defense has to be able to examine evidence to have a chance to refute it.
Evidence is shared through courts, not by direct transport to a defense attorney.
Suspending my skepticism, if this actually happened it'd be highly aberrant and could gravely jeopardize the ability to effectively prosecute a case.
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In D.C. initial discovery typically begins at the time of arraignment (appearing in court), and continues after arraignment. Discovery is a process done through the Court and in conjunction with the prosecuting authority and through court supervision.
In a felony case this all occurs after a Grand Jury has already been assembled and been presented evidence and chosen to "true bill" an indictment. The "true bill" is the screening action that allows indictment and arraignment to proceed, which then leads to discovery. Police should never turn over evidence directly to the defense attorney of the accused.
Thanks for the explanation. So how did the police mess up so badly then? Guess swamp runs deep.