We have scheduled our final three webinars in the 2021 IDS Forensic Science Education Series. They include presentations on accident reconstruction, veterinary forensics, and forensic pathology. Check out the schedule below for more information! So far this year, IDS has provided over 1000 hours of continuing education to dozens of NC criminal defense and parent …
Webinar: Challenging Accident Reconstruction Evidence
Part of the IDS Forensic Science Education Series
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Complex DNA Mixtures Interpretation and the Incorporation of Probabilistic Genotyping (PG) Software, Part 2
Live webinar presented by Dr. Maher “Max” NoureddineSeptember 16, 2021, 1:00 pm90 min of CLE credit anticipated As a follow up to his program offered on Aug. 5, 2021, Dr. Noureddine will offer this additional presentation on probabilistic genotyping (PG) software. This presentation will provide more in-depth information about likelihood ratios and PG software used …
Don’t Geofence Me In: Have You Been Caught in a Google Location History Warrant?
Spencer McInvaille has posted about geofence warrants on the Envista Forensics blog. These warrants have been used in several NC cases. If you’re handling a case involving a Google location history warrant, be sure to check out Spencer’s post to understand how these searches work and the constitutional implications of this type of search. Click …
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DNA-only evidence not sufficient in CT case
State v. Andre Dawson (2021) – Connecticut Supreme Court found that the state failed to present sufficient evidence of constructive possession where the defendant could not be excluded from a DNA mixture containing a partial profile found on a firearm.
Webinar: Cannabis and NC Law Update
Live webinar presented by Phil Dixon Jr.September 2, 2021, 1:00 pm60 min of CLE credit anticipated During this CLE, Phil Dixon will provide an overview of legislation addressing legal hemp products and recent Court of Appeals cases involving cannabis. Challenges to probable cause based on odor and sight of “marijuana” that have been litigated in …
Webinar: Complex DNA Mixtures Interpretation and the Incorporation of Probabilistic Genotyping (PG) Software
Live webinar presented by Dr. Maher “Max” NoureddineAugust 5, 2021, 1:00 pm 90 min of CLE credit During this CLE, the attendees will learn more about the theory of DNA mixture interpretation using conventional and computer-based probabilistic models, the power and limitations of PG software, and the challenges of confronting PG results in court cases. …
Field Sobriety Tests and THC Levels Unreliable Indicators of Marijuana Intoxication
National Institute of Justice-supported researchers from RTI International recently published the results of their research showing that field sobriety tests and THC levels are unreliable indicators of marijuana intoxication. The full study can be read here. A summary of the research is available here and provided the following take-aways that will be of interest for …
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New Resource for Attorneys Appointed in Felony Sex Offense Cases
IDS is pleased to announce a new program to support attorneys assigned to handle serious sex offense cases. Starting June 1, 2021, attorneys representing clients charged with felony sex offenses may seek consultation on those cases with Susan Seahorn or Lisa Dubs. We recognize that these cases are challenging and complex and hope that the …
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Human Factors in Forensic Science Webinar
Live webinar presented by Jeff Kukucka, Ph.D.June 3, 2021, 1:00 pm60 min of CLE credit anticipated Dr. Jeff Kukucka will present on how social and cognitive biases influence criminal investigations and trials, and how use of psychology can improve the justice system. His presentation will cover recent research on the role that potentially biasing information …
Free Webinar: Confirmatory Tests for Drugs
Live webinar presented by Ed Brown, Ph.D.May 6, 2021, 1:00 pm60 min of CLE credit anticipated This one-hour live webinar will provide attorneys having little science training with the basics about the various chemical analysis techniques employed by forensic laboratories and other contract labs around the US. Although a few technical details will be presented …
Drug Analysis Webinar: Methodology Used for Presumptive Tests and Common Errors Observed
Live webinar presented by Ed Brown, Ph.D.April 1, 2021, 1:00 pm60 min of CLE credit anticipated Materials: PowerPoint Slides This one-hour live webinar will provide attorneys having little science training with the basics about the various chemical analysis techniques employed by forensic laboratories and other contract labs around the US. Although a few technical details …
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Digital Evidence – Consumer Electronics and the IoT (Internet of Things)
Live webinar presented by Lars DanielApril 15, 2021, 1:00 pm60 min of CLE credit (technology hour) anticipated Our world is becoming increasingly hyper-connected. The objective of the Internet of things is for everything to communicate and interface with everything. From wearable technology and smart home assistants, to Internet connected medical ingestibles and social credit scores, more data …
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Challenging expert testimony at trial under Rule 702
This post addresses questions that I get from defenders who are seeking to challenge the admissibility of expert testimony under NC Rule of Evidence 702. I’ll address the nuts and bolts of how and when to make a 702 challenge for attorneys who haven’t yet challenged expert testimony. All defenders should read the NC Superior …
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Cell Phone Location Evidence Webinar
Live webinar presented by Spencer McInvailleFeb. 25, 2021, 1:00 pm60 min of CLE credit (technology hour) anticipated Cell phone location evidence is used frequently by law enforcement to show a suspect’s location at the time of a crime. The presenter will provide participants with background information on cellular technology, carrier stored data, how experts obtain …