Module 11 :: Pretrial Issues
Topic 3 :: Defendant Issues
Defense Requests for Access to DNA Testing Laboratories
The defendant's expert may request to be present during any DNA testing that is conducted by the government's experts. However, some laboratories may have concerns (e.g., security, liability, confidentiality) that would make this access impossible. In such cases, the parties may jointly request that the evidence be sent to an independent DNA testing laboratory. In either circumstance, the parties must agree or a court order must be obtained.
Other laboratories may permit the defense expert to view the testing via remote communication.