JDS Criminalistics provides consultation and forensic examination in the following areas:
General Case Review
Very often a comprehensive review of a criminal case by an experienced forensic examiner can reveal areas that were not fully explored by the original investigating agency. I will carefully examine reports, photographs, diagrams, and any other case documentation in order to search for and locate these areas. I will also evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the case in regard to the forensic and crime scene evidence, and determine if further examination, analysis, or documentation would be beneficial to the client’s case.
Examination and Evaluation of Physical and/or Photographic Evidence
The examination of physical and photographic evidence can reveal significant information. There are times when the original investigating agency may miss important evidence due to their perspective on the case. I will carefully evaluate such evidence in order to assist the client in discovering any pertinent details of the case that may have been previously overlooked.
Crime Scene Examination
If requested, I will visit the crime scene (or any peripheral scene or location involved in the case) and examine, document, analyze, and collect evidence from the scene.
Bloodstain Pattern Analysis
Bloodstain patterns at the scene, on clothing, etc. can reveal valuable information about what took place during and after an incident. I will perform a bloodstain pattern analysis in an attempt to determine the events that may or may not have taken place during the commission of a crime that involves bloodshed. As part of this analysis, I’ll examine various hypotheses/scenarios regarding the actions of those involved in the case and, based upon the physical evidence, either include or exclude these hypotheses/scenarios.
Shooting Incident Reconstruction
Shooting incidents can be very complex, particularly if more than one firearm is involved. As an external and terminal ballistics expert, I will examine and analyze cases that involve the discharge of firearms in order to attempt to determine the bullet flight path of the projectile(s), as well as the possible positions of the victim(s) and assailant(s) during the incident.
Crime Scene Reconstruction
A complete crime scene reconstruction involves a combination of interdisciplinary analyses (bloodstain patterns, bullet flight paths, etc.) in an attempt to determine various events that occurred during the commission of the crime and, in some cases, the sequence of these events. A crime scene reconstruction often results in plausible theories as to what took place, as well as the elimination of theories that are not supported by the evidence.
Latent Print Examination
In any case in which friction ridge impressions (fingerprints, palm prints, bare footprints) may become important, I will evaluate and/or compare impressions in order to (1) determine the value of the impressions, or (2) identify the donor of the impressions, or (3) eliminate particular persons from having left the impressions. I’ll also educate the client regarding the nature of friction ridge impression processing, comparison, and identification, if desired.
Shoe/Tire Impression Examination
In any case in which footwear impressions or vehicle tire impressions may become important, I will (1) evaluate the impressions in order to determine the value of the evidence and/or (2) compare crime scene impressions to known tires or items of footwear in an attempt to either identify the item that made the impressions or to eliminate particular items (shoes or tires) from having made the impressions. I’ll also educate the client regarding the nature of footwear/tire impression evidence processing, comparison, and identification, if desired.
Forensic Photography
In addition to the general photographic documentation of crime scenes and physical evidence, forensic photography may include the use of close-up (macro) photography, UV fluorescence photography, photomicrography, or other specialized digital and photographic techniques that can help to visualize and demonstrate important aspects of the evidence.
Crime Scene Diagrams and Demonstrative Evidence
Like the rest of us, the majority of jury members are visually oriented. Because of this, courtroom illustrations are often extremely valuable in helping a jury better understand the crime scene or the facts of the case. If desired, I will provide professional crime scene diagrams, animations, timelines, charts, etc. to be used as demonstrative evidence during criminal proceedings.
Tests for Biological Fluid Stains
In cases of suspected biological stains on clothing or other items of evidence, I can perform a variety of tests to include microscopic examinations, fluorescence examinations, and presumptive or confirmatory chemical tests in order to help determine if blood, semen, or urine are present.
Vehicle Lamp Examination
In cases of automobile crashes, it is often important to determine whether vehicle lamps (headlights, tail lights, brake lights, turn indicators) were on or off at the moment of impact. I will perform a thorough forensic examination of the physical evidence in order to help make these determinations.
