How Advancements in DNA Testing Could Impact Your Criminal Case

DNA evidence has long been considered one of the most powerful tools in criminal investigations. It offers a scientific method for identifying suspects and exonerating the wrongfully accused. However, as DNA testing technology advances, its role in criminal cases continues to evolve, presenting new opportunities and challenges for defendants.

At O’Brien & Eggleston, our Albany criminal defense attorneys understand the complexities of DNA evidence and are here to guide you through its potential impact on your New York case.

The Evolution of DNA Testing in Criminal Cases

Since its introduction in the 1980s, DNA testing has revolutionized criminal justice. Early methods, such as Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (RFLP), required large samples and lengthy processing times. Today’s advancements, including Short Tandem Repeat (STR) analysis and Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS), allow faster, more accurate results using even the smallest DNA samples.

Recent advancements in DNA technology include, but are not limited to:

• Touch DNA

Touch DNA refers to the microscopic skin cells left behind when someone touches an object. This technology allows investigators to extract DNA from surfaces that wouldn’t have been viable sources. While helpful, it can lead to contamination or secondary transfer issues, where DNA is unintentionally transferred from one surface to another, potentially implicating innocent individuals.

• Rapid DNA Testing

Rapid DNA technology enables law enforcement to analyze DNA samples within hours rather than weeks. While this speeds up investigations, the technology’s accuracy and the risk of errors during expedited testing are areas of concern.

• Familial DNA Searches

Familial DNA testing identifies individuals who may be related to a suspect by analyzing shared genetic markers. While this can help identify otherwise unknown suspects, it raises ethical concerns about privacy and the inclusion of family members in criminal investigations.

• DNA Phenotyping

DNA phenotyping uses genetic material to predict physical traits such as hair color, eye color, and ancestry. While it can provide leads in cases with no known suspect, the technology is not foolproof and can result in inaccuracies or reinforce biases.

• Improved Contamination Detection

Advancements in detecting and minimizing contamination have increased the reliability of DNA evidence. This is critical in cases where multiple people who have handled evidence or crime scenes are heavily trafficked.

The Benefits and Challenges of Advanced DNA Testing in New York Criminal Defense Cases

Advancements in DNA testing offer several benefits for criminal defendants, including:

• Greater Accuracy: Improved methods reduce the likelihood of errors in DNA matching, which can help ensure innocent individuals are not wrongfully convicted.
• Exoneration of the Wrongfully Accused: Post-conviction DNA testing has led to the exoneration of hundreds of wrongfully convicted individuals across the country.
• Smaller Sample Requirements: Modern technology can analyze trace amounts of DNA, providing critical evidence that may not have been obtainable in the past.

Despite its potential, DNA evidence is not infallible.

The following challenges must be considered:

• Contamination Risks: Improper collection or handling of DNA can lead to cross-contamination, compromising the evidence.
• Secondary Transfer: DNA can be transferred indirectly, leading to false connections between a suspect and a crime scene.
• Misinterpretation: DNA evidence requires expert analysis, and errors in interpretation can result in wrongful accusations.
• Privacy Concerns: The growing use of familial DNA searches and genetic databases raises questions about privacy rights and the scope of government access to personal information.

How DNA Advancements Could Impact Your Criminal Case

If DNA evidence is involved in your criminal case, advancements in testing could influence your defense strategy in several ways:

• Re-Evaluating Evidence: New technologies may allow more accurate DNA evidence analysis, potentially strengthening your defense.
• Highlighting Errors or Contamination: Improved methods can expose flaws in the collection, handling, or analysis of DNA, challenging the prosecution’s case.
• Securing Post-Conviction Relief: For those wrongfully convicted, advances in DNA testing could provide new evidence to overturn a conviction.

Advancements in DNA testing have transformed the landscape of criminal justice, offering powerful tools for both prosecution and defense. However, the complexities of this evidence require skilled legal representation to ensure its appropriate use.

Contact Our Albany Criminal Defense Lawyers at O’Brien & Eggleston PLLC Today

Don’t leave your defense to chance if DNA evidence is part of your case. Contact O’Brien & Eggleston at (518)-391-2369 or online today for a free consultation. Our experienced Albany County criminal defense lawyers will fight to protect your rights and ensure a fair trial.