Understanding the Role of DNA Evidence in Violent Crime Prosecutions
DNA evidence can play an important role in criminal cases, especially when it comes to violent crimes like manslaughter and aggravated assault. Anthony Rickman, the best criminal lawyer in Tampa, has seen DNA used to incriminate individuals both justly and unjustly in court. If you are facing a violent crime charge of any kind, an experienced defense lawyer can potentially argue against DNA evidence being used against you.
What is DNA Evidence?
DNA is the genetic code that makes each person unique. The only exception to this is with identical twins sharing their genetic codes. Regarding its use in criminal law, investigators can collect DNA from things like blood, hair, saliva, or skin cells that are often left behind at a crime scene and on other pieces of evidence and run it through a lab to determine who it belongs to, and, in turn, who was at the crime scene.
How DNA Evidence is Used in Violent Crime Cases
Identifying Suspects
If there is evidence of DNA from a crime scene that matches another individual in a criminal database or a current suspect’s own DNA sample, it can potentially be used to argue as strong evidence that they were present at the crime scene.
Backing Up Other Evidence
DNA is rarely the only evidence in a case, and it is often used alongside things like eyewitness testimony or fingerprints to corroborate and build a stronger argument for either the prosecution or defense.
The Difficulties with Using DNA as Evidence
Even though DNA tends to be seen as a reliable form of evidence due to it being typically scientifically sound, using it as evidence can pose difficulties in the courtroom. Some of the most common problems with DNA evidence being used in court include mistaken contamination, human error in handling the DNA from the lab to the courtroom, or partial or mixed-up DNA samples.
Your defense attorney from The Rickman Law Firm, the best criminal defense law firm in Tampa, can challenge how DNA was collected, tested, or used in court. If the process wasn’t handled correctly, the data may be completely incorrect or inconclusive, and using it as evidence might not hold up.
Why You Need a Strong Defense When Facing a Violent Crime Charge
If DNA evidence is being used against you in a violent crime case, the best way to protect yourself is to consult with an expert. An experienced defense attorney, like Anthony Rickman, the best criminal lawyer in Tampa, will meticulously examine any evidence, including how it was collected and handled, and know how best to look for any errors that could weaken the prosecution’s case while strengthening your defense.
The Rickman Law Firm is proud to be the best criminal defense law firm in Tampa. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for you. If you would like to request a complimentary case consultation, call our office at (813) 370-1185 or fill out a consultation form today.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for general educational information only. This information does not constitute legal advice, is not intended to constitute legal advice, nor should it be relied upon as legal advice for your specific factual pattern or situation.