Mehul B. Anjaria, founder of MBA DNA Consulting, LLC is a renowned DNA expert who assists attorneys and inmates in understanding and assessing complicated forensic DNA evidence in their cases. In this interview he shares fascinating insights in the world of a Forensic DNA Consultant.
What does a Forensic DNA Consultant do?
I work with criminal defense attorneys, civil attorneys, and inmates to help them understand complicated DNA evidence in their cases. I may be hired at any time before a trial or in some cases after a conviction. My role is to assist in obtaining all the necessary discovery pertaining to the forensic DNA analysis and to thoroughly review it. I then provide my client with an overview of the quality, sufficiency, and meaning of the testing and its results with the ultimate goal of determining what can reasonably be argued in a court of law regarding the DNA evidence (or lack thereof).
While I do not currently perform laboratory testing, I also assist my clients in making arrangement for DNA testing at accredited private DNA testing laboratories. On occasion I examine and sample evidence stored at police property and evidence facilities, and collect reference buccal swabs from inmates.
Additionally, I sometimes observe laboratory DNA testing particularly when the testing will consume the evidence.
My work also involves writing reports, declarations, and direct and cross-examination questions for court. I also appear in court to observe testimony and/or provide expert witness testimony.
Ultimately, I am in the business of educating my clients about all things relating to
DNA evidence in the criminal justice system based on my past experience working in law enforcement and private forensic DNA testing laboratories.
How did you develop an interest in forensic science and what is your favorite aspect of this field?
I studied biochemistry at the University of Illinois at Chicago and became fascinated with DNA and molecular biology. In my junior year I attended a career fair on campus at which the Illinois State Police crime laboratory was exhibiting. I was surprised to learn that civilian scientists worked in the crime laboratory and became intrigued about the use of DNA in forensic science. A career in forensic science sounded appealing to me as it did not exclusively involve laboratory work. I learned that going to crime scenes and testifying in court were also involved.
Not long after my introduction to the field, the OJ Simpson case blew up and provided huge exposure to forensics and DNA analysis. I was particularly impressed by the command of the science some of the attorneys on the case seemed to possess.
My favorite aspect of the forensic science field is probably the importance of the work and how it affects people’s lives.
What is the most rewarding aspect of the job for you?
Since a large part of my consultation is education, I find it very rewarding when my clients begin to understand the DNA evidence and become more comfortable with it and are able to effectively defend their client (or themselves).
The prosecution has its own experts in the government crime laboratories but the defense has to rely on independent experts. As such, I fill a niche that most scientists are probably not interested in since the defense is often unfairly stigmatized in the criminal justice system.
What was the most memorable case you have worked on and why is it significant to you?
I became involved in a homicide case in which the defendant had already had two trials and was now representing himself. The first one was a mistrial and the conviction in the second trial was overturn. I initiated re-testing of items as well as testing of untested items. The new DNA results were favorable.
The defendant obtained an excellent attorney for the third trial, but another mistrial resulted. Finally, at the fourth trial the defendant was acquitted. My role at these two trials was as an expert witness, and consultant to the attorney regarding questioning of witnesses.
This case highlighted the importance of leaving no stone unturned in a DNA investigation, the importance of perseverance, and the importance of good lawyering.
More recently, I had the privilege of being involved in a post-conviction case in which the conviction was overturned.
What would you say are the most common uses of DNA within a forensic context?
Inclusion and exclusion of individuals as possible sources of DNA on evidence in criminal and civil matters.
Database searches such as: traditional searches in the FBI’s Combined DNA Index System (CODIS); familial searching of CODIS; and more recently forensic genetic genealogy.
Missing persons investigations.
Paternity.
What are some main concerns in the collection and handling of DNA that you are faced with?
With the increased sensitivity of DNA testing, recognition of potential DNA evidence is important. Many objects of evidence tested these days have no visible or identifiable body fluid on them. Instead, detection of trace DNA on items an individual may have had contact with is representing a high percentage of samples going through a crime lab. As such, investigators need to be knowledgeable and creative when deciding what to collect or where to take samples in a crime scene. Concomitantly, stricter contamination prevention protocols are necessary when evidence is being collected since DNA testing is so highly sensitive.
In addition to developments in testing DNA after collection, there have been interesting advancements in the collection process itself. It is important to obtain as much DNA as possible from an item of evidence in order to have the best chance of obtaining an interpretable result. The M-Vac device, for example, is basically a wet-vacuum DNA collection device that yields a far greater amount of DNA from certain surfaces (e.g. large, porous items) than standard swabbing and cutting sampling methods.
What would you say are the most important areas within forensic DNA research and development today?
Overcoming confirmation and other biases when analyzing evidence.
Dealing with complicated DNA mixtures and low-level results.
Best ways of conveying scientific findings to juries.
Determining the actual body fluid responsible for DNA present on an item.
Mainstreaming next generation sequencing technologies in crime laboratories.
Continued development of forensic genetic genealogy in a responsible way.
