Serology and DNA Case File Analysis

DNA evidence is being used in criminal cases across Texas more than ever before. No longer is it  reserved for the most violent crimes and sex crimes.  Many times, simple burglaries and drug possession cases are submitted to the lab for DNA analysis. A simple touch can transfer DNA from person to person or person to evidence item.  It is more important than ever to ensure the results obtained are accurate to protect both the defendant and the attorney.  DNA results must fit the context of the crime.

Mistakes can and do happen even in the best DNA labs.  These are mainly due to increasing caseloads and pressure to speed up evidence turn-around-times. It is essential to catch errors before your client is facing jail time.  How can you be sure that the results provided in your case are error-free?  How do you protect yourself from a claim of ineffective counsel?

One way to ensure that correct DNA and serology results were obtained is to hire an independent forensic DNA consultant. Dr. Collins will thoroughly review the serology and DNA results for accuracy and adherence to laboratory protocols.  Errors, contamination events, or DNA mix-ups will be identified.

Once the review of discovery is completed, Dr. Collins will assist you with your understanding of forensic DNA analysis in general, the serology and DNA results in your case, and the meaning of the results in the context of your case.

Expert Testimony, Trial Preparation, & Observe State DNA Expert

It is sometimes necessary to have expert witness testimony regarding problems or errors noted during the review of discovery or regarding opinions offered in the report.  Dr. Collins has extensive experience as a forensic DNA expert for the defense and has testified in multiple courts in Texas.  He is regularly appointed to felony cases, including capital murder and sexual assault, by over 20 District Courts in four Texas counties.  Dr. Collins has been appointed by a U.S District Judge in a federal criminal case (Hobbs Act).

In addition to aiding with cross-examination strategy, Dr. Collins often observes the testimony of the opposing expert to offer cross-examination suggestions during the trial.  This ensures that the right questions are asked, and the opposing expert is answering in a straightforward, complete, and unbiased manner.  It also forces the state’s expert to explain any unclear terminology/testimony to the jury in an understandable manner.

Please contact Dr. Collins with any questions about your case, request his CV or sample funding motions (including ex parte).  Protect your client and yourself by contacting Dr. Collins.

Laboratory Observation of DNA Testing

Occasionally a DNA sample is limited in size, and it may be necessary to consume the entire sample during DNA analysis. It can be useful to have your own expert present during the consumptive DNA testing to observe evidence processing and ensure that unnoticed errors have not occurred during the analysis process. In this way, you can be confident in the DNA results since your own expert witnessed each step of the process during the DNA testing.  Dr. Collins has experience observing evidence processing at Texas Forensic Science Commission accredited labs.

Dr. Robert Collins

robertcollinsphd@gmail.com

713-401-4405