WASHINGTON (PRWEB)
January 09, 2020

Forensic labs in San Antonio, TX, Golden, CO, and Tucson, AZ have announced they will begin using STRmix™ to resolve DNA profiles in criminal investigations.

Sophisticated forensic software that can be used to resolve mixed DNA profiles previously thought to be too complex to interpret, STRmix™ is being regularly used in 51 forensic labs throughout the U.S. Another 60 U.S. forensic labs are now in various stages of STRmix™ installation, validation, and training.

San Antonio’s Bexar County Criminal Investigation Laboratory provides the citizens of Bexar County with comprehensive, impartial, reliable scientific analysis of evidence by experts skilled in the latest technology in forensic science.

The Jefferson County Regional Crime Laboratory, based in Golden, CO, provides services to all law enforcement agencies within Jefferson County, including the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office and the Arvada, Golden, Lakewood, and Wheat Ridge Police Departments. The lab also provides training in a variety of forensic disciplines to law enforcement agencies.

Finally, the Tucson (AZ) Police Department Crime Laboratory is part of the Forensics Division of the Investigative Services Bureau, providing the Tucson community with quality forensic science and service.

These labs join a national list of forensic labs using STRmix™ that now includes the FBI and the Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF). Internationally, STRmix™ is being used by nearly two dozen forensic labs in Australia, New Zealand, England, Scotland, Ireland, Finland, Dubai, Denmark, Switzerland, and Canada.

Since its introduction in 2012, STRmix™ has been used to interpret DNA evidence in more than 120,000 cases around the world. It has also been used successfully in numerous U.S. court cases, including 28 successful admissibility hearings.

“Forensic labs increasingly are using STRmix™ because of its success in producing usable, admissible DNA evidence in a wide range of criminal cases,” says John Buckleton DSc, FRSNZ, Forensic Scientist at the New Zealand Institute of Environmental Science and Research (ESR) and one of the developers of STRmix™.

Dr. Buckleton notes that labs using STRmix™ are reporting an increase of interpretable DNA in gun cases from about 40% to more than 70%. STRmix™ is also producing a much better return on investment by delivering a significantly higher rate of interpretable results in sexual assault cases.

A new version of STRmix™, STRmix™ v2.7, was introduced in late 2019. STRmix™ v2.7 includes several new features in response to improvements recommended by forensic labs to better address the on-the-job needs they regularly encounter. DBLR™, an application used with STRmix™, was also introduced last year. DBLR™ allows users to undertake superfast database searches, visualize the value of their DNA mixture evidence, and carry out mixture to mixture matches.

For more information about STRmix™ visit http://www.strmix.com

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WASHINGTON (PRWEB)
December 16, 2019

STRmix™ – sophisticated forensic software used to resolve mixed DNA profiles previously thought to be too complex to interpret – has been ruled admissible in two recent Colorado court cases.

In People v. William Tyrel Korn (Case No. 18CR84), the Colorado District Court for Garfield County ruled that STRmix™ has been “… repeatedly tested and subjected to peer review and publication,” “… generally accepted in the scientific and forensic community,” and “… internally validated for use in over 40 labs in the United States, including the FBI and the Colorado Bureau of Investigation.”

The court ultimately denied defendant’s motion for a Shreck Hearing, noting that probabilistic genotyping evidence using STRmix™ software “satisfies the requirements for relevance and reliability” under People v. Shreck (No. 02CA1413). In that 2001 case, the Colorado Court of Appeals determined that before expert testimony may be admitted, a trial court must be satisfied that the scientific or specialized principles underlying the testimony are reasonably reliable; the expert is qualified to opine on such matters; and the expert testimony will be helpful to the jury.

In the second case, People v. Edward Aragon (No. 2015CR147), the Colorado District Court for Otero County held a pre-trial Shreck Hearing, and concluded “… the scientific principles underpinning STRmix™ are reliable.”

Disagreeing with the defendant’s claim that the prejudicial effect of the evidence generated by the use of STRmix™ would substantially outweigh its probative value, the court concluded that DNA profiles developed through the use of STRmix™ “… will be useful to the jury on the issue of identity, and that the probative value of this evidence is not substantially outweighed by the danger of unfair prejudice.”

The two Colorado decisions bring the number of successful U.S. admissibility hearings regarding STRmix™ to 30. Since its introduction in 2012, STRmix™ has been used to interpret DNA evidence in more than 120,000 cases worldwide, including numerous U.S. cases.

Forty-nine U.S. forensic labs now routinely use STRmix™ to resolve DNA profiles, including the FBI, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), and multiple state and local agencies. STRmix™ is also in various stages of installation, validation, and training in more than 60 other U.S. labs.

“Forensic labs are turning to STRmix™ because it has greatly improved their ability to produce usable DNA evidence in a wide range of criminal cases,” says John Buckleton DSc, FRSNZ, Forensic Scientist at the New Zealand Institute of Environmental Science and Research (ESR) who developed STRmix™ in conjunction with Jo-Anne Bright, also with ESR, and Duncan Taylor from Forensic Science South Australia (FSSA).

According to Dr. Buckleton, agencies using STRmix™ are reporting an increase of interpretable DNA in gun cases alone from about 40% to more than 70%. STRmix™ is also proving to be highly effective in sexual assault cases.

A new version of STRmix™, STRmix™ v2.7, was introduced in September. STRmix™ v2.7 includes several new features in direct response to recommendations for improvements made by forensic labs to better address the on-the-job needs they regularly encounter. DBLR™, an application used with STRmix™, was also introduced earlier this year. DBLR™ allows users to undertake superfast database searches, visualize the value of their DNA mixture evidence, and carry out mixture to mixture matches.

In addition, an updated STRmix™ Defense Access Policy gives defense legal teams even easier access to STRmix™ software. The updated Access Policy includes definitions of the extended items that can be provided under the policy, updated non-disclosure agreements (NDAs), and an abbreviated NDA for use in some specific circumstances.

For more information about STRmix™ visit http://www.strmix.com.

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Philadelphia Criminal Lawyers and Landlord Tenant Lawyers

“The ONLY thing that matters is providing maximum value to the client.” -Mark Copoulos, Founder

PHILADELPHIA (PRWEB)
December 14, 2019

Mark D. Copoulos, Esquire, a Philadelphia Eviction lawyer, Landlord Services and Real Estate lawyer has relocated to 1628 John F. Kennedy Blvd., Suite 1301, Philadelphia, PA to manage growing demand for his legal services. The building known as Eight Penn Center is one of the premiere facilities in Philadelphia, PA. Copoulos made the move to expand from one solo office to four executive suite offices to better serve his team and expanding practice.

Despite the upgraded surroundings, Copoulos will maintain his commitment to providing the highest value to his clientele in real estate transactions such as sheriff sale matters, ejectments, evictions, small claims lawsuits, civil lawsuits, redemption defense, and criminal matters like domestic disputes, DUIs, shootings, VUFA and related firearm cases, and serious charges such as Aggravated Assault, Attempted Murder, and other charges.

The entire suite is newly constructed, providing the best amenities possible to prospective clientele. Copoulos has successfully litigated thousands of real estate and criminal matters in Philadelphia and the surrounding counties. The movement to a full-service law office with four total offices is an extraordinary achievement for the thirty-three year old Copoulos. Copoulos is a Top 40 Under 40 Lawyer and Top 100 Criminal Defense Lawyer as selected by the National Trial Lawyers Association. He has over ten years of experience with the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas, dating back to his second year in law school when he interned for the Supervising Judge of the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas.

Mark D. Copoulos can be reached directly 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Visit his website for more information about retaining his services for your legal matter.

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DALLAS (PRWEB)
December 14, 2019

So you’re wanting to become a legal resident or citizen of the United States. Where do you start? One good place to start is by finding a great immigration attorney. Sounds simple, but the truth of the matter is that finding the right immigration attorney can be a confusing task. Whether you’re moving here from abroad or you’ve been here a while and want to make your stay permanent, you’ll most likely need the help of an experienced attorney.

Patrick Hill, General Manager at Southern Bail Bonds Dallas says the tasks of finding the right immigration attorney should be taken seriously, as the attorney you choose can make or break your case.

1. Determine What Type Of Immigration Attorney You Need

Are you looking to become a naturalized citizen? Then an immigration lawyer who specializes in Naturalization might be your best bet. Have you been here a while and have issues with your status that could lead to deportation? Then you’ll definitely want to check into an attorney who specializes in handling Deportation – Removal cases.

Maybe you’re a Dreamer – perhaps an immigration attorney who is experienced in the DACA process is who you need. Do you have visa issues related to your work status? Would an attorney who is familiar with the Business & Employment side of immigration law be helpful? Those are the types of questions you’ll need to answer in order to figure out where to start your search.

2. Hire An Attorney Who Speaks Your Language As Well As English

Of course, this should go without saying, but we’ll say it anyway. Communication is key, especially when dealing with a situation as intricate as immigration law. You want to ensure you are able to clearly and comfortably communicate with your attorney and that there are no language barriers. So, if you’re bilingual, English isn’t your native language and you feel you may have problems understanding some of the U.S. legal jargon, be sure to hire an attorney who can explain the process in English as well as your native language. You don’t want to have a glitch in your application process simply because of a miscommunication.

3. Don’t Forget To Ask For References

Ah, those pesky references. Don’t hesitate to ask for references. Any immigration attorney worth their salt will expect such a request. They should be able to provide you with a good list of prior clients whom they have helped successfully. You’ll want to do your own research as well. Run Google searches to see what types of ratings they may have. Check out their reviews, and comments from past clients. Additionally, there are several sites that provide ratings for attorneys. Check them all out. Remember, this is your future you’re talking about, so you want the best possible team on your side.

4. Work With An Immigration Attorney You Can Trust

When talking to different immigration attorneys, don’t forget to listen to your gut. Pay attention to how the attorney responds to you. Are they paying attention? Are they asking questions that make sense? Do they appear to be professional and compassionate? Most attorneys will have several cases pending at once. Don’t be afraid to ask about their case load. The last thing you want is to get stuck with an attorney who doesn’t have the time to devote to your case to ensure a successful outcome. Additionally, if the lawyer appears to be preoccupied or just going through the motions to get to the end of your interview, maybe you’ll want to keep looking.

What about their accessibility? Do you feel they would be responsive when you have questions? Unless you hire an attorney who only has one case – yours – you can’t expect them to drop whatever they’re doing to answer a phone call immediately. But you do want an attorney who will get back in touch with you in a reasonable amount of time. Trust your gut instincts, keeping in mind that an attorney who might be a bit curt may also be your best choice. Weigh everything.

5. Don’t Let The Price Tag Fool Ya

This is where your research comes into play. Price tags on legal services, like any other service, can be deceiving. Just because an immigration attorney has a high fee doesn’t mean they’re better. Remember those references you asked for and those Google reviews you were suppose to read? What did they say? Ensure the attorney you engage has the time and staff necessary to handle their case load. And ensure the fee is something you can handle without breaking the bank.

On the other hand, be careful about hiring the cheapest attorney. There may be a reason for the low price tag. They may not yet have the experience that would command a higher rate. Or it may be that they don’t have the staff necessary to process your application in a timely manner. Or they may just be flat incompetent. Again, this is where your research pays off. Ensure you’re basing your decision on the value and expertise of the attorney, not just the price.

6. Did We Mention Immigration Attorneys Need To Be Licensed?

Well, if we didn’t – they need to be licensed no matter what issue you are needing to address! Always ensure you’re working with a licensed attorney who is in good standing with their state bar. Check their status, and while you’re at it, check to see if there have been any disciplinary actions brought against them. If they aren’t licensed – run.

7. Avoid Attorneys That Lurk Around ICE Detention Centers or Immigration Offices

If you are approached by an attorney at one of the ICE detention centers, ICE field offices or other immigration centers, think twice about working with these attorneys. First, the attorney bar frowns on such behavior and doesn’t consider it ethical. Second, many consider this type of advertising as “ambulance chasing” and only done by attorneys who have problems getting or maintaining clients. One has to wonder why.

8. Friends – A Great Referral Resource for Attorneys

Don’t forget your personal network – friends, coworkers and family members. Tap into your personal network to search for someone who can refer you to an immigration attorney you can have faith in. Personal referrals from a satisfied customer or a knowledgeable friend can be very powerful.

Southern Bail Bonds Dallas can assist with answering questions and providing information on immigration bail bonds for anyone who has been granted an immigration bond anywhere in the U.S. Our office can also processes bail bonds for felony, misdemeanors and traffic related arrests.

Please feel free to contact us at 214-372-2500. Our friendly and knowledgeable agents are ready to assist.

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BERKELEY, Calif. (PRWEB)
December 13, 2019

The human rights group Attorneys for the Rights of the Child (ARC) (http://www.arclaw.org) has today criticized a proposal to continue the so-called voluntary medical male circumcision (VMMC) program in Africa, though only on boys mostly 15 years of age and older. The proposal was made in draft guidelines released in late November 2019 (https://www.state.gov/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/2019-11-25-COP20-Guidance-Full-Consolidated_Public-2-1.pdf) by the US President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). ARC claims that as applied to youths 15 years of age and older, Section 6.2.5.1 of the guidelines, focusing on VMMC, unconscionably distort medical evidence and violate medical ethics and federal law, not to mention basic economics.

ARC Executive Director J. Steven Svoboda said in a comment ARC co-submitted today to PEPFAR that circumcision is not the most cost-effective way to reduce males’ risk of HIV acquisition. He commented, “The VMMC program has failed in its goal to circumcise Africa despite advertising and other publicity that his misled African youths into thinking circumcision is a safeguard from contracting HIV.” ARC co-submitted its comments with colleagues Antony Lempert, M.D. and Michel Garenne, Ph.D.

At the same time, Svoboda expressed ARC’s appreciation for the guidelines’ recommendation that the VMMC program be discontinued for most African youths 14 years of age and younger.

Svoboda said, “Regarding those 15 years of age and older, the most critical aspects of the guidelines lie in what PEPFAR leaves out. A basic principle of medicine described in the Hippocratic Oath requires that all doctors, ‘Do no harm.’ Medical ethics require doctors to use the most effective, least invasive treatment for any condition. For HIV prevention, this remains condoms.”

Svoboda stated, “The time is right to stop this ill-conceived, Western-centric program. We call on the guidelines to cancel the VMMC program for all ages before further harm occurs and to divert the funds that are thereby saved to programs of proven effectiveness. The law and medical ethics require no less.”

The world HIV crisis is now under control and HIV is considered a chronic illness. Thus the emergency mentality that has in the past driven the VMMC program is no longer needed and indeed, is overridden by paramount ethical and legal principles. Amputating healthy body parts in a misguided attempt to stop it is a massive misdirection of effort, particularly when those body parts are taken from people not providing fully informed consent. VMMC participants were not properly informed that circumcision does not completely protect anybody, but at most reduces the probability of transmission, which is quite different.

Attorneys for the Rights of the Child is a non-profit organization founded in 1997 to protect children from unnecessary medical procedures to which they do not consent. ARC is currently working with the United Nations in response to UN requests for its expertise regarding human rights law.

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