The DIY of DNA: Exoneration Through DNA Evidence (2025)
Program Summary: This presentation might be the first time you’re able to truly grasp the fundamentals of DNA evidence. This critical presentation blends real-world storytelling with clear, practical instruction—making DNA evidence finally feel accessible, even to non-scientists—while inspiring attorneys to dig deeper, ask smarter questions, and approach forensic science with newfound confidence. You’ll walk through one of the most infamous and mishandled DNA-driven prosecutions in recent history—the Duke Lacrosse case. This session is not just a recounting of scandal; it’s a masterclass in how to confront and dismantle complex forensic evidence when your client’s life or liberty is at stake.
Drawing from firsthand experience, you’ll learn how to identify and interpret electropherograms, understand autosomal vs. Y-STR testing, and recognize the limits of DNA evidence—particularly when it involves partial or mixed samples. With compelling clarity, this session takes lawyers step-by-step through what they need to know to evaluate DNA results, even if they have no scientific background. You’ll uncover the real-world challenges of obtaining full discovery, what to look for in lab reports, and why requesting lab protocols, raw data, and chain of custody records can make or break your case.
With over 200+ pages of written materials and the inclusion of actual motions, transcripts, electropherograms, lab reports and visual timelines, you’ll follow the progression of the case and visualize how the DNA evidence unfolded—and was ultimately dismantled.
Explore the Author's Intro and Receive a Free Sneak Peek into the Program [Here]
CLE Credit: Up to 1 hour of self-study CLE credit, where authorized. Please confirm with your state's CLE commission to ensure this program is available for self-study CLE certification.
About the Presenter:
Bradley J. Bannon (Chapel Hill, NC)
Attorney Bradley J. Bannon is a Partner with Patterson Harkavy, focusing on criminal defense and criminal appeals, civil rights, and professional licensing defense. Before joining the firm in 2016, he spent 20 years at the prestigious law firm of Cheshire Parker Schneider. In state and federal court, Brad has represented people from all walks of life, accused of everything from speeding to white collar crimes to first-degree murder. Not many attorneys have film credits to their name. However, Brad’s work has been featured in the ESPN 30 for 30 documentary film Fantastic Lies, Episode 10 of the Netflix documentary series The Staircase, and the 48 Hours documentary episode A Killer Defense. Brad is often asked to speak to other lawyers and to law students about his areas of practice. He has presented on criminal defense, forensic science, legal ethics, and DSS investigations in nine states and the District of Columbia.
Prices
- List Price $35.00
- Member Price $25.00