The outcome of any criminal case against a person in Michigan will typically depend on the evidence that is presented at the trial. The defense attorney will play a significant role, and in many cases, convictions are based on inaccurate eyewitness evidence. This is where an attorney with strong skills and experience in the use of DNA evidence could be invaluable in dealing with post-conviction matters.
In many cases, the physical crime scene evidence, such as skin, hair, blood or other evidence that could be DNA tested, is stored safely for decades. The fact that such evidence can be examined and retested as technology improves gives those who have been wrongly convicted a chance of exoneration. Furthermore, the same evidence that could set one person free could lead to the arrest and conviction of the real perpetrator.
DNA profiles nationwide are stored on CODIS, the national database. In many cases, wrongly incarcerated inmates manage to convince those who fight for the innocent of reopening and investigating their cases. Several felons have been identified when the DNA evidence in a case was linked to another person on CODIS — often after many years. DNA testing and evidence can also help to prevent those on death row from being wrongfully executed.
Any person in Michigan who believes he or she was wrongfully convicted can seek the support and guidance of a criminal defense attorney who has a detailed knowledge of DNA science. A lawyer with particular skills and experience in dealing with post-conviction matters and DNA evidence to prove innocence can revisit all the evidence and work on finding the real criminal. If such an endeavor proves successful, the convicted person might be exonerated.