DNA Expert Services
DDC forensic scientists provide comprehensive assistance
in cases involving DNA evidence, from crime scene to courtroom.
Included are a number of services that help identify possible sources
of DNA evidence, create a DNA profile from these sources, and find
a match for these profiles in national databases. Our forensic experts
will deliver expert testimonies and provide case consultation
and review of the DNA evidence presented in a case.
Finding DNA Evidence
DNA from crime scene evidence can yield crucial clues about the
perpetrators. Currently, however, an estimated 542,300 cases have unused
DNA crime scene evidence. This
represents a large number of cases that could be solved given the
appropriate resources. DDC bridges this gap by offering quality
DNA testing services to law enforcement agencies and private investigators.
DDC has a number of presumptive and confirmatory
tests that screen for the presence of blood, semen, and other biological
material left behind at a crime scene. When sources of human DNA
are found, our laboratory technologists will use specialized methods
to extract the DNA for testing and analysis. Depending on the sample
type (blood, hair, bone, vaginal swab) and condition, one or more
of the following testing methods may be used:
- STR typing using the 13 core CODIS markers
(used for most samples; additional markers for extended testing
are available)
- Y-chromosome STR typing using the ABI Yfiler™ system of 17 markers (used in samples containing
a mixture of male and female DNA where the two cannot be separated)
- Mitochondrial DNA sequence analysis (used
in cases where the sample contains degraded DNA or lacks nuclear
DNA, such as hair shaft without the root)
DDC offers complimentary police training on collecting crime scene
evidence for DNA analysis. We conduct trainings at our mock crime
scene facility in Fairfield, Ohio, or at your location upon request. Please
contact us for more information.
Linking DNA Evidence
When DNA evidence has been analyzed, the DNA profile can be used
in two ways: to link the evidence to a suspect who is a previously
convicted offender, or to link different crimes together, such as
when DNA from a single perpetrator is found in two different crime
scenes.
Linking DNA evidence is made possible through CODIS, a system
of databases containing DNA profiles of convicted offenders from
all 50 states. In many cases where there previously
were no suspects, CODIS has been instrumental in finding the
perpetrator. DDC's forensic testing services provide results that can be used in this national database.
DNA evidence can also be used to prove the innocence of a falsely accused
person as well as identify the bodies of victims of violent crimes, accidents,
or natural disasters. The power of DNA technology in identifying
individuals and establishing biological relationships makes its
applications limitless.
Case Consultation and Review
Whenever DNA evidence is involved in a case, you need the best forensic
experts to examine the details that will make or break the case.
DDC is your best resource for DNA testing that is unbiased and that
meets strict legal and scientific testing standards. Contact our
forensics experts for a free initial consultation. They will provide
you with the advice you need to apply or verify the DNA evidence
presented in your case.
Expert Testimony
DDC’s forensic experts are court-qualified to provide expert
testimonies, having testified a combined total of over 500 times
in court. They have the proven ability to deliver clear explanations
on highly technical subjects, explaining the DNA evidence in a manner
that the jury and others in the court will understand.
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