Full Casefile Review and Analysis
Black Lab Forensic Services specializes in the review of forensic DNA testing performed in criminal, civil, and paternity cases. Forensic DNA testing reports are complicated, typically not user-friendly, and only represent a summary of the DNA analysis performed in the case.
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. A thorough review of the casefile may include: a complete review of the serology and DNA results, an analysis or reanalysis of electronic DNA data, a complete review of the laboratory’s manuals including SOPs, Quality Assurance, and validation manuals, a review of the laboratory’s contamination/carry-over/unexplained profile logs, or a review of the lab’s accreditation documentation including past audit reports. Upon a thorough casefile review, a determination can be made whether the case could benefit from re-testing, testing of additional evidence items, or potentially testing with newer technology.
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, bench notes, electronic data, protocols, and other relevant information necessary for the specifics of your case.
Defense Counsel Education and Case Preparation
Forensic DNA testing reports are complicated, typically not user-friendly, and can be difficult to assess the implications, strengths and weaknesses of the forensic DNA evidence. 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 and advise on expected responses to questions. Assistance in cross examination will emphasize and focus on the relevant information.
Quick question and answer sessions can be scheduled usually within 24-48 hours.
Court Qualified Forensic DNA Expert 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 Test 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 as follows:
- Recommending an appropriate private accredited DNA testing laboratory.
- Serving as liaison with the private DNA laboratory by competing necessary case submission paperwork and being available to answer technical questions that may arise during the analysis.
- Assisting in understanding the significance of the DNA testing results and advising on court presentation of the new testing performed.