Most people think that DNA evidence is supposed to definitely indicate who committed a crime. Unfortunately, the reality is that DNA collection could work against you if you’re charged with a crime in Alabama. The methods used to collect and process DNA evidence are at fault.
Most DNA evidence is low quality
The general public has the perception that DNA evidence collected by law enforcement agencies is of high quality, but the opposite is usually true. DNA samples are supposed to be like a fingerprint that definitely identified someone. Instead, most samples are incomplete, have low concentrations or have a mixture of DNA from several individuals. Prosecutors won’t reveal these issues but instead will use jargon to make juries believe that the samples are accurate. The reality is that the DNA identification process is very uncertain.
Why DNA samples are difficult to analyze
DNA lives in all of our cells, and we can easily transfer our DNA from one object to another. For example, if you scratch yourself, cells with your DNA can land on objects you never touched. Likewise, if you lend clothing or any other item to a friend, those things have your DNA on them, so your cells can end up anywhere that your friend may have gone. Thus, it’s no wonder why DNA from many individuals ends up at crime scenes.
Defense against DNA evidence
Even genotyping software often can’t analyze DNA samples correctly in all criminal law cases. Therefore, whenever DNA evidence has been submitted in a case, criminal defense lawyers may investigate the methods used for analysis and determine the possibility of accuracy.
Anyone accused of a crime and heading to a trial may benefit from working with an attorney who understands the shortcomings of DNA evidence. A criminal attorney may work to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case and point out these failings to the jury.