Black Lab Forensic Services

Black Lab Forensic Services was founded by Nick Reifsteck in 2021. He is a forensic DNA scientist and adjunct professor of Forensic DNA Analysis at Eastern Washington University. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Notre Dame with an emphasis in biology and a Masters of Forensic Science from Drexel University with a concentration in molecular biology.

Nick Reifsteck is a fully qualified forensic DNA expert with the Washington State Patrol and has previous experience in forensic consulting with the US Army.  He also has graduate research experience in Cell and Molecular Physiology & Neurobiology at Loyola University Chicago and runs an undergraduate research laboratory at Eastern Washington University as an adjunct professor in the forensic science program. His education and experience will qualify him as a Rule 702 expert witness without difficulty.

A full CV is available upon request.

Full Casefile Review and Analysis

Black Lab Forensic Services specializes in the review of forensic DNA testing performed in criminal, civil, and paternity cases.  The serology and DNA results will be reviewed in detail for accuracy and adherence to laboratory protocols and will be evaluated for potential errors, contamination events, or even DNA mix-ups.

DNA Discovery Requests

Forensic DNA testing reports only represent a summary of the DNA analysis performed in the case. In order for counsel to fully assess the implications, strengths and weakness of the forensic DNA evidence in a case, specific and precise discovery is required. Black Lab Forensic Services will assist in obtaining proper discovery by helping draft a thorough, yet concise, discovery request in order to perform a proper technical review of the entire casefile and other relevant information necessary for the specifics of your case.

Counsel Education and Trial Preparation

Black Lab Forensic Services can explain the complex results in a way that makes sense. Additionally, Black Lab Forensic Services can assist in preparation of suggested DNA questions for defense interviews or cross examination that will emphasize and focus on the relevant information.

Court Qualified Testimony

In addition to reviewing casefiles, it is occasionally necessary to testify as an expert witness regarding any findings noted during the review or in regards to opinions offered in the report. Black Lab Forensic Services is available to present any relevant findings before the Court if necessary or be present in court during cross-examination, during depositions, or during defense counsel meetings with Forensic DNA experts to provide immediate consultation.

DNA Testing Observation/Witnessing

In some cases, the amount of DNA present on an item of evidence is so limited that only one test can be performed and the DNA evidence will be consumed in the process leaving no evidence remaining for retesting. If such destructive testing is a possibility in your case and testing has yet to be performed, it may be appropriate for an experienced individual to be present to witness the processing of the samples and the consumption of the DNA evidence.

Forensic DNA Re-Testing Consultation

When retesting or additional DNA testing is warranted in a case, Black Lab Forensic Services can assist in making arrangements for the testing.