Terms

Home > Terms > Dna-evidence

With the increasing availability of technology, DNA evidence has become an important aspect of the criminal law system. DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) evidence can be used to successfully identify criminal offender and to exonerate innocent prisoners from crimes they did not commit. Because of an individual's unique DNA composition, DNA evidence is a one of the most reliable criminal conviction methods available to law enforcement officials today.

A person's DNA is their genetic composition. No two individuals, with the exception of identical twins share the same genetic makeup and therefore the same DNA . Because of this, when collected properly, DNA evidence can be a highly accurate method for determining the perpetrator in a crime.

DNA evidence maybe found at the scene of the crime in the form of saliva, blood, skin tissue, hair, fingernails, bones, semen and other bodily excretion . In the event of a rape or murder, it is necessary to collect DNA evidence from the victim as well, to distinguish between the DNA of the victim and the assailant. DNA samples may also be taken from those who lawfully had access to the seen of the crime within a 78-hour period preceding the crime, to ensure that their DNA is not wrongfully assessed.

DNA evidence samples are called elimination samples. When investigating a crime scene, it may be necessary to collect several DNA elimination samples, prior to determining a suspect. In order for DNA evidence to be valid in an investigation, it must be identified at the initial investigation of the crime scene to avoid contaminated evidence .

DNA evidence can be found on victims, on clothing, carpet, bedding or any area surrounding the crime scene. While DNA evidence-- if collected properly-- is highly effective, the problem lies in accurate collection. DNA evidence can be easily contaminated or damaged if exposed to high levels of heat, moisture or other outside agents. Contaminated DNA evidence may produce inconclusive or faulty results and therefore cannot be used.

DNA evidence is arguably one of the most accurate methods of determining guilt. Like fingerprints, when DNA evidence is gathered properly, results are unique and highly precise. In addition to determining a suspect in a crime, DNA evidence has exonerated many prisoners and individuals on death row from being convicted of a crime they did not commit. In the event that DNA evidence is not helpful for a particular crime, the information can be put on file with the FBI's Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) and used to link serial crimes and identify future suspects.

To learn more about DNA evidence, please contact an experienced criminal law attorney for a free consultation today.

Recent DNA Evidence News

June 12, 2008 - Dallas Man Cleared of Convictions 

Jan 23, 2008 - Man Convicted of Gruesome Murder Freed on DNA Evidence 

Oct 26, 2007 - Fingerprint Ruling May Have Broad Implications 

Home :: Contact a Criminal Lawyer :: Advertise