The Value of Case Reviews

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You are no doubt well aware of the power of DNA testing to confirm or exclude the true identity of criminal perpetrators. However, what is often overlooked is the value of reviewing DNA test results that were previously conducted by the opposing counsel. To quantify the usefulness of conducting a case review, Identigene recently compiled the results of recent case reviews conducted on behalf of defense attorneys. The results are as follows:

 ·        In 33% of cases, the information contained therein or omitted from the bench notes raised questions about whether evidence and reference samples were appropriately handled and/or if chain of custody procedures were properly followed.

·        In 18% of cases, the reported statistics or conclusions were unclear, incorrect, or incorrectly stated in the report.

·        In one review, based on our findings, the reporting lab decided to restate their results and in another instance, the reporting lab decided to retest the evidence.

·        In another review, we noted that sample contamination occurred during the testing process. While it was established by the testing lab that the sample was contaminated during the testing process, we advised the defense attorney that standard practice would be to retest any sample that had been contaminated and create conclusions based on the retest(s). The use of our findings regarding the contamination resulted in the offer of an attractive plea agreement for the defendant.

·        Overall, in 66% of our reviews, issues were identified that either cast doubts on the accuracy of the results or identified further testing or review required to determine if the reported results were accurate.

Will we always find a “smoking gun” that will impact or change the significance of the original findings? No. But a thorough independent examination of the case file documentation and technical conclusions will be assurance that you are entering your plea negotiation or trial preparation on an even playing field with the opposing counsel.

In summary, a DNA case review can provide the following benefits:

·        The defense attorney can  be assured that testing was conducted according to recognized standards and conclusions were accurately calculated

o       This can also expedite or halt the defendant’s acquiescence to a plea agreement

·        Weaknesses in the technical conclusions can be highlighted to cast doubt regarding culpability.

·        Case specific issues that should be questioned during cross examination will be identified versus asking questions from a generic “script”.

·        The defense attorney can be assured that he or she has provided the most effective defense for the client with regards to the biological evidence.

Forensic DNA Testing Prices

For details regarding pricing on our Forensic DNA Testing services, please contact our Forensic Sales Team at (800) 824-1545.

* Please refer to Sample Preference List for acceptable sample types

Prices subject to change without notice.