Forensic DNA Analysis for Defense Attorneys
Bring Rigorous Technical Scrutiny to Your Next DNA Case
I work with defense attorneys across Minnesota to analyze complex DNA evidence, identify issues that matter to your defense, and turn the science into practical defense strategy.
Why partner on a DNA Case?
Scientific Evidence Is Powerful. The Conclusions Drawn From It Must Withstand Scrutiny.
As trial lawyers, we know how to cross-examine witnesses and build compelling defense narratives. DNA evidence can add another layer of complexity, particularly when a case involves probabilistic genotyping, low-template mixtures, or questions about transfer.
Reviewing the underlying data, laboratory procedures, and analyst decisions takes focused time and attention. I help connect that technical review to the issues that matter for your defense.
With more than twenty years of courtroom experience and over a decade focused on forensic DNA litigation, I work alongside defense counsel to handle the technical analysis while you remain in control of the case and its strategy.
Ways I Can Support Your Case
Case Strategy & Lab File Review
Reviewing the underlying file to assess how the data, analyst decisions and testing process support, qualify or complicate the reported conclusions.
STRmix & Probabilistic Genotyping Review
Examining assumptions, analyst decisions, software diagnostics, genotype pairings and weights, and helping you understand what the reported results mean for your case.
Transfer, Persistence, Prevalence, & Recovery Analysis (TPPR)
Applying TPPR research to the facts of the case and evaluating what the DNA can, and cannot, establish about how it came to be there.
Admissibility & Motion Support
Identifying foundational reliability issues under Minnesota Rule of Evidence 702, related issues under Rules 401, 402, and 403, and potential Frye-Mack challenges when appropriate. Assisting counsel in developing the necessary scientific record.
Cross-Examination Preparation
Developing technically grounded questions tied to the actual laboratory file, analyst decisions, assumptions, and limitations
Co-Counsel & Ongoing Case Support
Remaining involved through motions, hearings, expert coordination, trial preparation, and the forensic portions of trial as needed.
Also available:
Customized forensic DNA training for defense attorneys and offices.
How Collaboration Can Strengthen Your Case
See Beyond the Report.
Understand the underlying data, assumptions, and analyst decisions behind the final conclusion.
Turn Technical Findings Into Strategy.
Connect the science to motions, negotiations, cross-examination, and trial themes.
Identify What the Evidence Can and Cannot Prove.
Separate source-level conclusions from activity level questions including things such as transfer, persistence, and recovery.
Build Technically Grounded Cross Examination.
Develop questions based on the actual file rather than generalized attacks on DNA evidence.
Add Forensic Depth Without Giving Up Control of the Case.
I work alongside you to evaluate the evidence with your existing strategy, help refine your strategy based on underlying data, and tailor my involvement to the needs of your case.
What forensic consulting can uncover for your case
Looking Beyond the Surface of the Lab Report
A laboratory report is a summary of an analysis, not the entire analytical record. The underlying data, analyst decisions, software settings, laboratory procedures, and case context can matter just as much as the conclusion printed on the final report. A complete review can reveal assumptions, limitations, discretionary decisions, or alternative interpretations that are not apparent from the report alone. I use the Barron Forensic Integrity Protocol to guide that review.
What Working Together Looks Like
01 | Initial Enquiry
Reach out by phone or email with a brief overview of your case and the forensic issues involved. We'll talk through deadlines, existing discovery, and the level of support that would be most useful.
02 | Document Review
For a full case file review you send over the underlying lab file including the bench notes, electropherograms, LIMs documents, STRmix Reports, standard operating procedures, and raw data. If any of these materials are missing , I can help you draft a discovery request for this information. I will prepare a report for you to review before our strategy session.
03 | Strategy Session
We meet by Zoom or in person to go through what the file shows, what questions remain, and what matters for strategy, discovery, motions, negotiation, or trial.
04 | Ongoing Support
From there, I can stay involved through motions, hearing prep, and trial strategy, as much or as little as your case calls for.
Related resources
Want to Understand the Science More Deeply?
Not All DNA Evidence is Worth Challenging, but More of It Is Than You Think
Read Post
Understanding STRmix and DNA Mixture Interpretation in Court
Read Post
DNA Mixtures and Relatives: How a Family Member Can Affect STRmix Results
Read Post
Whether you need a focused case file review, assistance drafting an evidentiary motion, or co-counsel support for the forensic portions of a trial, I am here to help you build a stronger defense.
Let’s Look at the Data Together.