What you should know about DNA Testing in Raleigh, North Carolina

DNA testing is a scientific method used by law enforcement to help establish whether an individual committed a crime or was present at a crime scene. In addition, DNA evidence can demonstrate the innocence of people that are being charged, or have been convicted of a crime.

While fingerprint evidence is still used in court, DNA evidence is also introduced whenever possible. Below are some things you should know about DNA Testing in Raleigh, North Carolina.

DNA can be extracted from sweat, skin, blood, hair and any bodily fluid. DNA can remain intact at a crime scene for months, and a suspect can leave DNA evidence on items that have come in contact with their skin hair or saliva. Hair brushes and tooth brushes can be receptacles for someone’s DNA.

DNA Testing is fairly accurate, and there are two different types of testing. The first is RFLP, or Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism, also known as DNA fingerprinting. The second type of resting is PCR, or Polymerase Chain Reaction, also known as an amplification test. RFLP can take up to 8 weeks and requires a better sample. It has an accuracy rate of 1 in 3 billion. PCR testing takes between 1-3 days and can be done with a minimal sample. It is not as accurate as RFLP.

It is common practice for most jurisdictions is to obtain fingerprint and sample DNA. This DNA is then entered into a database that can be used by local, state, and federal authorities. DNA is not commonly used in minor cases and is typically reserved for suspects in major criminal cases.

Not only is DNA a powerful tool in helping to prove guilt, it is also powerful in demonstrating a defendant’s innocence. DNA evidence has resulted in the release of hundreds of convicted prisoners that have been cleared due to their DNA not matching the DNA that was found at a crime scene. Some of these wrongfully convicted prisoners have spent many years in prison, and some were even facing the death penalty.

If you are serving a sentence and believe DNA testing will clear your name, it is important that you contact the Scharff Law Firm in Raleigh, NC that is familiar with DNA testing and how it can be used to help you. If you are being charged with a crime and believe DNA testing will help to prove your innocence, contact the attorneys at the Scharff Law Firm at (919) 457-1954 immediately. Your DNA may be the difference in you being convicted or found not guilty!