Civil and criminal cases require forensic expert testimony when the judge and jury can’t conclude the case based on other facts. What is an expert witness? An expert witness is a person with qualifications, experience, knowledge, and skills to testify before the court.
An expert witness presents an unbiased, evidence-based, and detailed testimony or reports in easy-to-understand language. The purpose is to ensure the judge and jury understand the complex information and streamline the decision-making process.
Numerous entities, including local, state, and federal laboratories, employ forensic experts. Attorneys and lawyers hire expert witnesses as consultants to contribute expertise, knowledge, and advice on scientific issues in a criminal case.
Besides, the court also subpoenas or appoints forensic expert witnesses to help the judge and jury in a civil or criminal case. Legal Medical Consulting is a professional firm in Dallas, TX, with qualified and skilled forensic expert witnesses who provide a third opinion.
We ensure the testimony is sound, evidence-based, and truthful. Our forensic expert witnesses are highly knowledgeable, alert, organized, ethical, and calm. In today’s article, we will discuss forensic expert testimony. Read on!
What is Forensic Expert Testimony?
Forensic expert testimony is based on forensic evidence obtained through scientific techniques and methods. Our experts use ballistics, blood tests, serum tests, and DNA testing to gather facts and prepare testimony.
The evidence is a hair sample, DNA found underneath the fingernails, blood found at the crime scene, or long-deleted files discovered on the alleged person’s computer. Remember, all these pieces are forensic evidence.
The expert witness uses this evidence to prepare forensic expert testimony. Sometimes, forensic experts tend to find a medical legal expert. The purpose is to work together and perform detailed investigations to help the court understand the complex information.
Examples of Forensic Expert Testimony
Forensic testimony helps solve complex cases, including violent, brutal, fraudulent, and other cases. For example, if the investigators have found a decomposing body in the woods, an expert witness will use the DNA testing methods to identify the person.
Likewise, an expert witness can help determine the cause of death and figure out whether the body contains materials from another individual. The experts include all these things in their testimony to ensure the court concludes the case efficiently.
Sexual assault is another example of a case that requires forensic expert testimony. Investigators often look for evidence in sexual assault cases. In such a situation, the court may appoint a forensic expert to prove or disapprove allegations of sexual assault.
Forensic expert testimonies may also about the cases related to drug abuse. Forensic scientists at Legal Medical Consulting Dallas, TX, can test unidentified substances found on the person to confirm whether they are marijuana, heroin, or cocaine.
Our experts also use toxicology to figure out whether a driver was impaired at the time of the accident. Moreover, the forensic field is not limited to evidence collection from deceased bodies. It also focuses on ballistics.
For instance, Legal Medical Consulting, Dallas, TX, has forensic experts who can test weapons and use specialized ballistic techniques to help attorneys, judges, and jury by providing them with technical details in plain English.
Qualities of Forensic Expert Witness
Medical expert witnesses or forensic experts are subject to depositions, and the opposing counsel often cross-examines them. Therefore, the first essential characteristic or quality to look for an expert witness is confidence and self-esteem.
A confident expert witness can present an evidence-based testimony before the court without favoring a single party. The main goal is to testify before the court and ensure the information presented is factual, truthful, and unbiased. Some qualities are:
- Confidence and rigor
- Consistency and attention to detail
- Experience, skills, and trustworthiness
- Effective communication and teamwork skills
- Dedication and ability to improvise
- A logical and independent mind
- Written and oral communication skills
- Concentration and patience
- Objectivity when dealing with confidential information
Moreover, a forensic expert witness uses advanced tools to establish facts and develop a testimony. Forensic experts also help investigators streamline processes, including information collection, interviewing criminals, interrogation, and instrumentation.
Contact Legal Medical Consulting Dallas, TX
Legal Medical Consulting, Dallas, Texas, is a reputable firm with qualified, professional, and experienced expert witnesses with proficiency in different medical fields, including forensic sciences. Our forensic experts pay attention to details and prepare factual testimony. We follow a step-by-step approach to streamline the process, allowing the judge or jury to understand the complex or technical information and make an informed verdict. We can help you find a medical legal expert witness that aligns with your case. Contact us for more details on forensic expert testimony.