It happens all the time that criminal cases occur, and the prosecutors, or even the defense, do DNA testing. It typically occurs through the police for the prosecutors. They do DNA testing. They have laboratories. Depending on what type of crime – whether it's a sex crime, a murder, or some other grave offense – the police will send DNA evidence to laboratories, who then conduct DNA testing.
Once the DNA testing is complete, they submit a report distributed to the prosecution and defense. Then, ultimately, those individuals can be called upon to testify at a preliminary hearing, criminal trial, or both on the DNA testing results.
DNA Testing is a Lengthily Procedure
One of the significant challenges in DNA testing, not just in Los Angeles County but across the country, is the time it takes. The verification and checking of numerous DNA test results is a lengthy and time-consuming process. The limited workforce further exacerbates this issue, leading to delays in DNA testing in Los Angeles County.
I've seen DNA testing take months, even years, to complete. In a big murder case, sometimes the testing is essential, and they try to put a priority on the DNA testing; therefore, other DNA testing takes a backseat to that.
Prosecutors and police have processes in place where they can try to get the DNA laboratories to rush the DNA testing depending on the type of case and whether the case will go to trial. They need the DNA evidence to prosecute somebody successfully.
Some people are trying to appeal their cases and trying to do DNA testing. DNA Evidence in sex crime cases is an effective tool for law enforcement and prosecutors to show a defendant committed a crime.
DNA Testing is Expensive
When it comes to DNA testing in Los Angeles County, the financial burden can be a significant obstacle. It's challenging for criminal defendants to conduct DNA testing themselves due to the high costs involved. If you lack the funds, the court can appoint an expert who the court system can pay to conduct the DNA testing. Alternatively, you can get your own DNA experts to challenge DNA evidence presented by the prosecution in your trial or preliminary hearing.
I do see a lot of DNA testing being done in sex crime cases to prove that somebody had some sexual intercourse with the victim of the sex crime. In these cases, DNA experts are called upon to interpret the results and provide expert testimony at the preliminary hearing and during the trial.
DNA evidence can be utilized in a criminal case. If you have a case involving DNA evidence, you will want to get an expert. You'll also want a criminal defense lawyer who knows how to challenge DNA evidence, produce DNA evidence, and use experts to properly defend your case and get you out of the criminal justice system as fast as possible.
