What is Forensic Evidence?

Most of us have watched crime dramas unfold on TV, where the police scour the crime scene in search of forensic evidence. During these criminal investigations, officials pick apart every detail to figure out what happened. 

While these fictionalized scenes add some dramatic effects, the applications of forensic science are strongly rooted in reality. Physical and digital evidence often form the backbone of legal cases, and these items can make or break a trial. 

What is forensic evidence?

In simple terms, forensic evidence is anything acquired via scientific methods to understand a criminal matter, from physical items to digital data. Analysis of fibers, handwriting samples, tool marks, bodily fluids, and much more can all be valuable to investigators checking a crime scene. 

How is forensic evidence used in court?

Both prosecutors and defense attorneys use forensic evidence to prove their case in court. In fact, this is the concrete, factual information a jury uses to determine a defendant’s guilt or innocence. 

In most cases, each side will present evidence that reinforces their argument. Because evidence comes in many different forms, the way it’s used in court will vary drastically. 

For example, a prosecutor may introduce ballistic evidence to show that a bullet came from the defendant’s gun, while the defense produces security camera footage showing his client was nowhere near the crime scene at the time of the shooting. 

Evidence is used in all types of criminal law. The possibilities are endless, but it all comes down to the story told by the forensic evidence. 

When did forensic evidence start being used in court?

While we often think of forensics as a modern science, investigators have used techniques to analyze evidence since ancient times. DNA wasn’t entered as evidence until the 1980s, but Song Ci introduced procedures for admitting medical information and insect activity into court as early as the 13th century.

How can forensic evidence be challenged in a trial?

Whenever forensic evidence is introduced into the record, the proponent must be able to support its validity. They must also show that the evidence was appropriately applied to the case at hand and that its interpretation is sound. 

Criminal defense attorneys can challenge evidence that they believe was improperly admitted or interpreted. they can also raise doubts about the relevance or importance to the trial. 

Kinds of forensic evidence

Forensic evidence comes in a wide range of forms, from physical evidence like bodily fluids to digital evidence. Here’s a closer look at the common types to solve crimes. 

DNA

DNA is the most famous example of forensic evidence. This genetic code is unique to everyone on the planet (with a few exceptions, such as identical twins). It’s found in our skin cells, hair, blood, bones, and beyond. Because it’s inside and outside of our bodies, we shed DNA all the time, making it incredibly valuable to forensic experts. 

Even if a victim or a criminal's DNA isn’t in the database, blood tests can tell forensic scientists a lot about a person, including their ethnicity, and clue investigators in to identifiable relatives. 

Fingerprints

Just like DNA, our fingerprints are unique to each individual. Even twins can have different fingerprints. Because of the natural oils in our skin, we leave behind fingerprints on nearly every surface we touch. 

BPA (Bloodstain Pattern Analysis)

Many times, violent crimes leave distinct bloodstain patterns that experts can use to determine what and how an incident occurred. Bloodstain pattern analysis (BPA) can show what direction the blood came from, what type of injury caused the wound, movements made in the aftermath of an injury, and much more. 

Tracing controlled substances

Drug crimes often leave forensic evidence that scientists can analyze. While criminals might dispose of any visible evidence to try and hide their crimes, forensic experts can test for microscopic residue that can’t be seen with the naked eye.

Physical evidence

Physical evidence is an umbrella term for any tangible object that can undergo forensic testing and provide insight into a crime. This can include DNA, BPA, and fingerprints, as well as things like tire tracks, ballistic evidence, gunshot residue, and much more. 

Digital evidence

It’s hard to avoid leaving a digital footprint. Cell phones, computers, cars, alarm systems, and security cameras can offer substantial evidence to digital investigators. Digital forensic experts can often extract valuable information, even after devices are broken or restored to factory settings. 

Recovering damaged evidence

Criminals trying to cover their tracks might go to great lengths to destroy forensic evidence. They might clean a crime scene with harsh chemicals, burn incriminating evidence, or damage anything left behind in order to distort the evidence. 

However, advanced scientific methods can allow investigators to work backward and paint a picture of what occurred. 

Contact Busciglio Sheridan & Schoeb for legal advice!

Busciglio Sheridan & Schoeb is your Tampa Bay attorney’s office with locations throughout the area! We’re committed to helping our clients understand their rights, find justice within the legal system, and ensure the best possible results. 

If you need help navigating a legal matter, contact us today!