When you are charged with a criminal offense, the prosecution and law enforcement will work together to collect evidence to use against you in court. In some instances, this involves obtaining information from other parties to help create a more accurate timeline, and in others, it includes gathering physical evidence linking you to the crime. Often, one of the most critical pieces of evidence is DNA. The following blog explores how the introduction of DNA evidence at your trial can impact the outcome and how an Oklahoma City felony defense lawyer can assist you if you’re facing felony charges.
How Does DNA Impact a Criminal Trial?
In many instances, people assume that DNA is always definitive proof used to convict someone of a crime. However, this is far from the truth. Typically, when a crime occurs, the investigation team will gather items and samples of things like hair or blood for DNA testing.
When a suspect is in custody, DNA testing can be done to determine if they are a match for the samples collected at the scene of the crime. If the sample is not a match, the police may let the suspect go. If it is, they can be charged with the crime, as the DNA collected at the scene is theirs, thus placing them at the scene of the crime.
In some crimes, the DNA collected at the scene will be run through a database by law enforcement. This system, known informally as CODIS, will compare the sample to that of all convicted criminals who have had samples taken and input into the database. As such, the police can look for a match to determine if that person is responsible.
Can DNA Be Incorrect?
Though many believe that DNA science is exact and foolproof, this is far from the case. In some instances, errors can occur, resulting in someone being charged with a crime they did not commit.
One of the most common issues is incomplete DNA profiling. In some cases, the sample collected at the scene of a crime may be degraded, thus resulting in a false match due to the state of the sample. In other cases, errors from the laboratory, like mixing or mislabeling samples, can skew the results of a sample. You should also note that in some cases, genetic similarities, like the DNA shared between twins or a parent and child, can be incredibly similar, making it too difficult to discern.
If you are facing a felony charge and there is DNA evidence against you, it’s important to understand that hope is not lost. Working with an experienced criminal defense attorney can help give you the best chance of a favorable outcome. Whether your attorney is able to show there are errors with the evidence or work with the prosecution to negotiate a plea deal, obtaining experienced legal representation is critical.
At the Jones Firm, PLLC, we understand how complicated these matters can be, which is why we will do everything possible to help you navigate these uncertain times. Connect with us today to learn how we can fight for you.
