Final answer:
A break in the chain of custody can lead to evidence being inadmissible in court, potentially resulting in the accused walking free, and calling into question the professionalism of law enforcement and legal teams.
Step-by-step explanation:
When considering the question 'What could result from a break in the chain of custody?', there are multiple outcomes that might occur. The chain of custody refers to the documented process by which evidence is collected, preserved, and transferred in the course of a legal investigation. A break or lapse in this protocol could lead to various repercussions: A. Evidence may no longer be admissible in court, as it cannot be confidently stated that it has not been tampered with. B. The accused could walk free if critical evidence is disallowed, and there is insufficient proof beyond a reasonable doubt. C. Professionalism and competency of the law enforcement and legal teams involved would be in question, as maintaining the chain of custody is a fundamental aspect of criminal investigation procedures. Therefore, the correct answer is D. All of the above.