Hide Article Text (OCR)
LAB: Review provides opportunity for defense lawyers to appeal casesFrom page 1prosecutors are informing people convicted in DNA cases about the crime-lab allegations through letters.The news sent defense lawyers scrambling, as they will have the option to appeal their clients' cases and convictions.The Austin American-States-man reported one lawyer, Stephen Orr, filed a motion to stop prosecutors from using DNA evidence in a sexual assault case against his client this week. The judge will rule on the motion Monday.However, as early as April — several months after Hamilton's allegations — the DNA lab was reviewed and reaccredited by the American Society of Crime LabJDirectors, the society's executive director Ralph Keaton said.The voluntary inspection found no deficiencies in the testing procedures.I believe that when it is all said and done, there won't be any problems, Travis CountyDistrict Attorney Rosemary Leh-.✓ Jmberg said.She also said she will not order a full review of all the items used as DNA evidence in trials, but the Texas Forensic Science Commission could order such a review. The veracity of DNA evidence was thoroughly discussed in the highly publicized trial of Laura Hall. Last week, Hall received the maximum 10-year sentence and a $10,(XX) fine for tampering with evidence in the 2005 murder of Jennifer Cave. In that case, DNA evidence linked Hall to the handgun used to kill Cave.DNA lab specialist Cassie Car-radine testified that the police department's lab has nev er had a deficiency found by independent auditors. Additionally, independent DNA specialist William Watson, who was part of the board that reviewed and accredited the lab, confirmed that it met industry standards.Hall's attorney, Joe James Sawyer, could not be reached for comment.
Newspaper Details
Austin Daily Texan
Austin, Texas, US
Fri, Jul 09, 2010
Page 2
Full Page
Clipped by
Jared T.
NA, NA 14 Aug 2023
Other Publications Near Austin, Texas
Austin Daily Texan
Austin Semi Weekly Statesman
Austin Christmas American Statesman
Austin Daily Statesman
Austin American
