DNA Evidence Can Help or Hurt You

DNA evidence is among the most valuable pieces of evidence used in criminal cases. No two people have the same DNA, meaning the use of such evidence can either prove a person's innocence or guilt with great accuracy. While this powerful tool has helped exonerate wrongly convicted defendants, it can also damage a person's case if it's not properly obtained and handled.

DNA doesn't lie, or does it?

It's important to understand that DNA is a widely used form of evidence in criminal cases and, if utilized appropriately, it can change a defendant's life for the better, but also the worse. Strengths, Limitations, and Controversies of DNA Evidence by Naseam Rachel Behrouzfard examines the benefits and disadvantages of DNA evidence in criminal cases:

Pros

1. Scholars regard DNA evidence as “probably the greatest forensic advancement since the advent of fingerprinting”
2. It can prove actual innocence even when other trustworthy evidence plays in the defendant's favor
3. If handled properly, DNA evidence can be stored for years which is helpful because investigations and criminal court proceedings can last a long time
4. Police officers with unidentified samples can search for matches using DNA databases
5. DNA evidence beats eyewitness evidence when it comes to reliability

Cons

1. DNA evidence is only found in a small fraction of crime scenes
2. Evidence such as confessions, murder weapons and other forensic evidence must supplement DNA evidence, as juries don't always base their verdicts upon DNA evidence alone
3. Human error involving a lack of training, sloppy work and cross-contamination, among other issues, can interfere with the reliability of DNA evidence
4. DNA samples can pose privacy concerns as they identify your family relationships, ancestry and potential for diseases
5. Criminals can plant DNA evidence to frame an innocent person for the crime, also known as “crime framing”

At The Ambeau Law Firm, our forensic DNA litigation attorney is a qualified expert in forensic DNA interpretation, meaning we understand how to observe, interpret and utilize DNA evidence, which can strengthen your criminal case as a result. Many lawyers aren't competent in this matter, but our lawyers know that judges and juries view DNA evidence as the absolute truth, therefore we educate ourselves and stay up to date on forensic DNA evidence to best serve our Baton Rouge clients.

To learn more about how our criminal defense lawyers can leverage their skills to benefit your case, contact (225) 330-7009 today!

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