Consulting
We Consult with Attorneys, Judges & Other Legal Practitioners on Forensic Injustice Topics
When an attorney receives a complex case, it can be overwhelming. Understanding the forensic components of the case, finding appropriate experts, thoughtfully approaching discovery, and filing motions are essential to good representation.
We consult with attorneys who have cases involving complex forensic science issues so they have the resources they need to fight for their clients. We regularly consult on topics such as Shaken Baby Syndrome, DNA mixtures (STRmix, TrueAllele, etc), probabilistic genotyping, firearm and toolmark evidence, 911 call analysis, child abuse, novel science, cause of death, and much more.
No-Fee Consultations
CIFS is a non-profit organization and we provide initial consultations regardless of ability to pay. Our work is funded by individual donations and grants. If you’re interested in supporting this work, visit our donation page.
Attorneys Count on CIFS
Hundreds of attorneys count on CIFS each year for resources and consultations. Public defenders, in particular, have limited resources and heavy workloads. They know they can turn to CIFS to walk through complex problems and offer insightful ideas and direction.
What Attorneys Say:
“The Center for Integrity in Forensic Science (CIFS) attorneys provided direct and very personable consultation at the time of a Texas trial for which I was tasked by The Court with (among other things) locating expert witnesses. These top expert witnesses, recommended by CIFS, took the lead in court and were well-prepared with current, reputable science- and medical- based information used to protect our client from further false accusations. Consequently, CIFS actually is a center with integrity on which we can rely to protect those who cannot protect themselves (including our very young, indigent client with limited education).”
-John
“The CIFS provides critical research and oversight in the constantly evolving areas of forensic science and technology, work essential to maintaining scientific objectivity, discovering flawed systems, and remedying errors based on bad science whenever possible.
What people may not know is that the CIFS also provides integral guidance and support to attorneys working on complex cases---assistance far exceeding what is available otherwise and essential to understanding and addressing matters of science. Without the incredible support I received from the CIFS in a complex case, I am certain the outcome would have been different. With the help of the CIFS, Ms. Judson, and the many people I met through the listserv, I was able to discover and eventually explain to a jury the complex medical explanation that took the life of my client's son---medical science that providers and prosecutors overlooked, at the expense of a child, his father, and their family. I cannot begin to explain how significant CIFS was to us---there is nowhere else to go for the depth and breadth of support I found here.
From connecting with experts and finding consultants to locating resources, sharing experiences and strategies with lawyers, staying apprised of new scientific developments and studies, sharing pleadings, breeding ideas, and providing moral support and encouragement, the CIFS offers this---and more!---critical help to anyone who needs it---working to ensure that integrity in science and effective representation in the courtroom is available to everyone. This organization's work is extraordinarily important and truly remarkable!”
-Erin
Contact Us
If you are an attorney and have questions about forensic science in your case, please contact us to set up a call. We believe everyone deserves a fair trial.