Michigan’s Only Forensic Lawyer Scientist, Offering an Unmatched Advantage in Criminal Defense
When facing criminal charges, every piece of evidence matters. In cases involving complex forensic evidence, such as blood alcohol content (BAC) tests, drug testing, or ballistics, your choice of defense attorney can make all the difference. At our law firm, Barton Morris stands out as Michigan’s only certified forensic lawyer scientist, giving him a unique edge that no other criminal defense attorney in the state can match.
What Does It Mean to Be a Forensic Lawyer Scientist?
As Michigan’s only forensic lawyer scientist, Barton Morris brings a specialized skill set to criminal defense that combines both legal expertise and deep knowledge of forensic science. Through certification with the American Chemical Society, Barton has gained the education, hands-on training, and experience necessary to fully understand and analyze forensic evidence. This distinction allows him to identify flaws in the prosecution’s scientific evidence—whether it’s related to DUI charges, drug cases, or ballistics analysis—that other lawyers may overlook.
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The Importance of Forensic Expertise in Criminal Cases
Forensic science is not infallible. Lab errors, flawed testing procedures, or improper handling of evidence can all impact the reliability of scientific data. Without a forensic lawyer scientist like Barton Morris, these flaws may go unnoticed, potentially leading to wrongful convictions or unjust sentences. Having an attorney with Barton’s qualifications means you have someone who not only understands the law but also knows the science behind the evidence. Barton’s ability to interpret forensic data and find discrepancies is crucial in building strong, effective defenses in even the most challenging cases. A lawyer cannot learn these scientific disciplines by going to court. The prosecutor or judge aren’t going to teach them to the defense attorney. They barely know it themselves. An expert DUI forensic lawyer scientist must take the educational courses, related advocacy skills training and then practice what he was learned in court.
A Unique Edge in Your Defense
Barton Morris’s forensic expertise provides a distinct advantage in criminal defense cases across a wide range of charges. Whether you are facing DUI charges, drug-related offenses, or firearm violations, having Michigan’s only forensic lawyer scientist on your side ensures that every piece of evidence is thoroughly examined, and any flaws are exposed.
Forensic science plays a crucial role in many criminal cases, especially when evidence like blood alcohol tests, breathalyzer results, or ballistic analysis is involved. Here’s how Barton’s expertise can strengthen your defense:
- DUI Cases: In DUI cases, forensic evidence like BAC testing is often used to establish guilt. Barton’s training in forensic science allows him to evaluate the methods behind blood alcohol testing and breathalyzer results, identifying potential errors or inaccuracies in how the evidence was handled. This understanding can lead to the dismissal or reduction of charges when mistakes are found.
- Drug Offenses: In drug possession or trafficking cases, forensic analysis of substances is commonly used to determine their nature and quantity. Barton’s expertise enables him to scrutinize the testing process for flaws, such as contamination, mishandling, or errors in the chain of custody, potentially weakening the prosecution’s case.
- Ballistics and Firearm Evidence: For cases involving firearms or shootings, ballistics evidence is often central. Barton’s forensic knowledge gives him the ability to assess the accuracy of ballistics tests and challenge their results when necessary, providing a powerful defense strategy for clients facing gun-related charges.
How Barton’s Forensic Expertise Enhances Your Defense
Barton Morris spends dozens of hours every year learning about the science of chemical testing and learning how to use it in court to the benefit of his clients. To date, Barton Morris is the only Michigan attorney to be designated by the American Chemical Society as a Forensic Lawyer-Scientist which means he received over 160 hours of education and hands on forensic laboratory work intensely learning several different disciplines of science specifically related to fighting DUI cases.
This designation also required passing a comprehensive examination on the following subjects:
- Infrared spectroscopy – used primarily in evidential breath alcohol testing
- Gas chromatography – most popular chemical analytical tool used in the world and used in blood alcohol and drug testing
- Mass spectrometry – highly selective and specific used for identifying compounds in blood for DUID cases
- Flame ionization detector systems – detector system utilized primarily for blood alcohol testing
- Forensic sample preparation – how the samples get prepared for testing is very important and a source of significant error
- Colormetric sample testing – presumptive controlled substance testing
- Micro and Macroscopic Drug Testing – primarily marijuana and plant identification and analysis
- Thin Layer Chromatography – testing for solid drug doses for identification
- Liquid Chromatography – testing for drugs and alcohol without having to heat the unknown sample
- Fourier Transform Infrared Testing (FTIR) – highly selective quantitative analysis technique increasingly used for THC
- Horizontal Gaze Nystagumus (HGN) field sobriety testing
- Controlled Substance Pharmacology – the study of how different drugs effect the body after ingestion
As such, Barton Morris has specialized and in depth knowledge, hands-on experience and expertise in fighting the following issues common in DUI prosecutions.
- Breath Alcohol Testing
- Blood Alcohol Analysis
- Blood Testing for Controlled Substances
- Preliminary Breath Testing
- Field Sobriety Testing
If an attorney doesn’t understand these scientific disciplines, they can do nothing more than believe the state’s chemical test evidence and plead their client guilty.
Get the Expertise You Deserve
If you’re facing criminal charges that involve forensic evidence, don’t settle for just any defense attorney. With Barton Morris, you get a uniquely qualified attorney who understands the intricacies of forensic science and how to leverage it to fight for your rights. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and get the defense you deserve.
Facing DUI charges? Unhappy with your current attorney? Request a free consultation now.