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What is DNA Evidence?
It’s not hyperbole that DNA evidence has revolutionized how criminal cases proceed in the United States criminal justice system. Genetic evidence like DNA is a blueprint of human identity, encoding unique characteristics that distinguish individuals from their peers. DNA is found in virtually every cell of the human body, making it a reliable marker for identification purposes. Except in cases of identical twins, DNA works as valuable forensic evidence in criminal investigations for proving and disproving supposed guilt.
DNA evidence is of the utmost significance in criminal cases because it can link suspects to crime scenes or potentially exonerate the wrongfully accused. Biological evidence such as blood, semen, saliva, hair, and skin cells can provide insights into the identity of a crime perpetrator.
When handled properly and used as part of a thorough investigation, DNA evidence can potentially exonerate the wrongly accused, identify who is guilty, provide definitive proof, challenge the prosecution’s case, strengthen a legal defense, and more.
Why is DNA Evidence Valued by the Defense and the Prosecution?
For those accused of crimes in Chicago, DNA evidence could potentially sink or save your case. Accurate DNA evidence is valuable to both criminal defense lawyers and lawyers representing the prosecutors.
Skilled criminal defense attorneys can use DNA evidence to challenge the prosecution’s case by questioning the collection and handling of that evidence, highlighting potential contaminations, and challenging the interpretation of DNA results. In some cases, DNA evidence could also support an alibi or an alternative suspect theory in the criminal defense case. For example, suppose DNA from an unknown individual or an alternate suspect is found at the crime scene. In that case, the lawyers for the defense may be able to argue that this points to another person being involved in the crime, potentially exonerating the accused.
DNA evidence, mainly when used in sex crime and murder cases, can also be valuable to prosecutors. Chicago law enforcement is entrusted with collecting and adequately handling all evidence of a criminal offense, including any genetic or biological material. When handled correctly, DNA evidence could go a long way toward proving the prosecution’s case and establishing that fault rests on the shoulders of the defendant.
Additionally, there are some cases where newly discovered DNA evidence could exonerate the wrongfully convicted in old criminal defense cases.
To discuss your legal matters in more detail, please get in touch with our law firm to schedule your free initial consultation with our legal team.
Can You Be Convicted of a Crime in Illinois Based Solely on DNA Evidence?
Illinois police maintain a thorough DNA database. When a suspect’s DNA matches evidence at a crime scene, law enforcement and prosecutors often believe they have an open and shut legal case. For example, in sex crime cases, DNA usually plays a vital role in determining guilt. However, the mere presence of someone’s DNA at a crime scene, even a sexual crime scene, does not mean beyond a shadow of a doubt that an individual committed a crime. Cross-contamination, timing, consent, and other matters could explain why DNA appeared at a crime scene or on a victim’s body, thus raising doubts about the reliability of DNA evidence.
While DNA evidence can serve as a compelling factor when establishing guilt or proof and therefore influence the outcome of a criminal case, it should not be relied upon as the only source of evidence to prove guilt.
DNA evidence has several limitations, and as a highly skilled criminal defense lawyer, we’ll look for holes in the prosecution’s case to prove our client’s innocence.
To learn more about how a criminal defense attorney can be of valuable assistance to you if you are facing criminal charges, please contact our Chicago law firm to schedule your free initial consultation today.
Are There Limitations to DNA Evidence in Criminal Cases?
Like any other evidence in a criminal case, DNA is highly susceptible to human error and misrepresentation. While DNA evidence could tie the accused to the scene of the crime, the evidence does not do anything to indicate what the individual was doing there or if their actions were illegal. DNA evidence can place an individual at a particular scene at a specific time, but it cannot prove guilt of a crime in many cases.
Common reasons why DNA evidence could be considered unreliable or limited in a case include the following:
- Bias or misconduct by those handling the genetic evidence
- Testing errors
- DNA evidence may not be able to indicate when an individual was at the crime scene
- Identical twins share identical DNA information
- The genetic information of close relatives is more similar than the DNA from unrelated strangers
- DNA evidence can be degraded or destroyed due to bacteria, mold, heat, or sunlight
- Stringent protocols and analysis must be carefully followed to ensure the reliability of DNA evidence
- A nuanced understanding of forensic science is required to interpret DNA test results properly
How to Challenge DNA Evidence in a Criminal Defense Case?
Several legal defense strategies could be viable options for those accused of crimes in Chicago, Illinois. Depending on the crime committed and the evidence obtained at the crime scene, your criminal defense attorneys may consider questioning the collection process for DNA evidence, testing methods, the chain of custody, and more. In criminal cases involving sex crimes, another common defense strategy is to raise the question of consent.
If DNA evidence is deemed inconclusive or other suspects could have committed the crime, it may be possible to argue mistaken identity.
The prosecution bears the burden of proof, and if it cannot prove beyond a shadow of a doubt that the accused committed a crime, criminal lawyers may be able to use additional evidence to contradict the prosecution’s case.
Expert witness testimony may also be valuable evidence in a criminal case. These witnesses play a critical role in interpreting scientific findings and presenting them in an understandable manner to judges and juries. It is possible that a convincing forensic expert’s testimony could sway the opinion and influence the outcome of a criminal trial.
Schedule a Free Consultation with Experienced Chicago Criminal Defense Attorneys Today
In addition to proving guilt or innocence in a new ongoing criminal matter, DNA evidence can also prove the innocence of wrongly convicted individuals whom the criminal justice system has let down. Suppose you or a loved one have been convicted on DNA evidence or believe that DNA evidence could clear your name. In that case, it is highly recommended that you retain the services of an experienced criminal attorney.
Our Chicago law firm’s legal team has extensive experience representing clients in various criminal defense cases, including those in which DNA evidence was at the center of the debate between guilt and innocence. As your legal representation, we will do everything we can to clear your name and negotiate for better terms in any necessary plea agreement.
Contact our Chicago law office to schedule your free case review with our legal staff today. You can reach us at 312-229-0008.
