New Report Suggests Genetic Profiles More Common than Once Believed
A recent study in the Los Angeles Times suggests genetic profiles may not be as exact as once believed. According to the investigation, the odds are higher for finding genetic similarities between people who are unrelated that previously estimated. A state crime lab analyst from Arizonia discovered similiar genetic matches by searching through the FBI's DNA database.
Many criminal defense attorneys across the county are asking for similiar searched to be conducted in order to prove that their clients are in fact innocent. As already indicated, this study could have a profound impact on the practice of criminal law. Not only in Arizonia, but here in South Carolina. In many homicide, rape, and burglary cases, the main piece of evidence linking an individual to a crime is DNA evidence. If criminal defense lawyers can now show that this kind of evidence is not always accurate and can be unreliable, this could be a great defense at trial.
However, DNA evidence is also very important in post-conviction appeals. In those cases, defendants may ask the court to perform DNA testing on a piece of evidence from the original case in order to prove that they are innocent. The Innocence Project is an organization that helps defendants get this testing done. Many individuals have been wrongfully convicted and were set free using DNA testing after they were found guilty at trial. However, if DNA testing is now being called into question, this could impact these post-conviction motions for DNA testing. We will have to wait for further studies to be completed for determining the true accuracy of DNA testing.
Our criminal attorneys in South Carolina handle a variety of appeals and post conviction relief motions, including motions based on ineffective assistance of counsel. We have experienced appellate attorneys to prepare briefs to any state court in South Carolina, Florida, and Georgia, as well as the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit.
