How Can DNA Evidence Impact a Criminal Case?

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man in hazmat suit collects DNA evidence off knife

When a crime is committed the most important thing the police or detectives can do is find evidence that will help identify the perpetrator. DNA evidence is one of the strongest tools that can be used in a criminal case. If you have questions regarding the impact DNA may have on your case, reach out to an experienced Mercer County criminal defense lawyer for more information and skilled legal representation.

What is DNA?

Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) is a molecule that exists in nearly all cells in the human body. An individual’s cells all have the same DNA which holds the person’s genetic information. DNA evidence can be collected through skin cells, hair, saliva, blood, semen, tissue, muscle, bones, mucus, sweat, urine, feces, and more.

How is DNA Located?

DNA can be identified and collected by crime scene technicians, medical examiners, victim service providers, law enforcement, and other professionals. It is crucial that DNA evidence does not become contaminated or degraded.

DNA is generally collected from a crime scene by using a sterile cotton swab, scraping the sample with a blade, cutting a section of the sample, use of a special vacuum, carefully picking up objects with gloved hands, etc.

Depending on the type of crime committed DNA evidence can be accidentally left behind if:

  • The offender is wounded and leaves blood splatter behind
  • The victim fought back and has the offender’s skin cells under their nails
  • Semen is found on or near a victim of sexual assault
  • The offender left a cigarette or cup near the scene of the crime with saliva on it
  • A victim’s bones are found

How Does DNA Evidence Impact a Criminal Case?

DNA is unique to every individual, with the occasional exception of identical twins, and does not change throughout a person’s life. This is important because it means that any DNA evidence collected can be used whether the crime was committed yesterday or 30 years ago.

DNA is often used in criminal cases. Because no two individuals have the same DNA, it is a powerful tool and piece of evidence when used correctly. The above evidence and more can be used in criminal cases in several ways including the following.

  • Help identify a victim’s body
  • Eliminate suspects by comparing their DNA with the samples found
  • Exonerate individuals who were falsely convicted by comparing their DNA with the samples found
  • Link multiple crimes together if the same DNA was identified at several crime scenes
  • Identify the culprit by running the DNA through databases to connect it to a prior offender
  • Identify the culprit by matching a suspect’s DNA sample to the genetic information found at the scene of the crime

DNA evidence can benefit a criminal case in a variety of ways. Contact a skilled lawyer to learn about the implications of genetic information in your case.

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