DNA Evidence

by Clearwater Criminal Defense Lawyers George E. Tragos & Peter A. Sartes

In the past few years, there has been a large increase in the use of DNA evidence. This evidence has been exceptionally useful for not only convicting people but also for removing wrongly convicted individuals from prison.

DNA, deoxyribose nucleic acid, is the blueprint for every cell in an individual’s body. It is found in every skin cell, every strand of hair, and every bit of anything that is made of cells. DNA forms a long, twisting chain that forms a double helix. It looks complicated but is made of only four nucleotides. These four nucleotides form a distinct pattern for every person. The four nucleotides are Adenine, Cytosine, Guanine, and Thymine.

The four nucleotides form pairs. Adenine and Thymine will link together and not with Cytosine or Guanine. The same holds true for cytosine and guanine. Because of this, if people have a partial strand of DNA, they can figure out what goes on the other side of the ladder based on what nucleotide is visible. The vast majority of DNA is identical from human to human but 3 million base pairs are unique to each individual. It is these base pairs that allow for DNA testing to pin an individual to a crime or crime scene or to free an individual from a crime.

DNA evidence depends on being able to compare the DNA from a suspect to the DNA from the crime scene. Sometimes, investigators have DNA from the crime scene but not a suspect. In these instances, they can compare the crime scene DNA to all of that which is found in CODIS. CODIS is a DNA sample database that is maintained by the FBI.

When using DNA in a crime scene, investigators prefer to use non-coding DNA strands. This makes it easier to determine whether or not there is a match. In general, the same tests used to determine paternity are used to match DNA sets for crimes.

If you have been convicted of a crime but feel you did not do it, DNA evidence can be helpful. Contact the Clearwater criminal lawyers of the Law Offices of Tragos & Sartes at 727-441-9030 to discuss your case and any legal options available to you.