Expert witnesses often play a key role in overturning wrongful convictions in Michigan, as they can examine evidence to point out flaws in the prosecution’s arguments or demonstrate how someone could not possibly have committed the crime. The following is critical information on what makes someone an expert witness and how they can help you in your case.
Michigan Rules for Expert Witness Testimony
According to the Michigan Rules of Evidence, an expert witness is someone who can testify about a subject based on their “knowledge, skill, experience, training, or education.” The Rules of Evidence say expert witnesses can testify in a case if the side asking them to testify can prove it’s more likely than not that:
- The expert witness’s technical, scientific, or specialized will help the judge or jury better understand the evidence or a key fact in a case;
- The expert’s testimony is based on sufficient data or facts;
- The expert’s testimony uses reliable principles and methods; and
- The expert’s testimony is based on a “reliable application” of their principles and methods to the facts of the case.
Different Expert Witnesses and Their Role in Overturning a Wrongful Conviction
The expert witnesses you need vary based on the reason for your conviction and the evidence the state used to convict you. Some common types of expert witnesses in wrongful conviction cases include:
- Forensic scientists – These experts analyze physical evidence like DNA, fingerprints, and blood samples to look for unreliable or misinterpreted evidence. Many people wrongfully convicted of crimes regain their freedom when fresh DNA analysis shows they did not commit the crime or were not at the scene.
- Psychologists – Psychologists can assess your mental state at the time of the alleged crime and that of others, such as eyewitnesses. They can testify about issues such as false confessions or the unreliability of eyewitness testimony due to stress, trauma, or other factors.
- Medical experts – In cases involving injuries or deaths, medical experts can review autopsy reports, medical records, and injury patterns. One way these experts often help is wrongful conviction cases is by demonstrating alternate explanations for injuries to show a defendant could not have committed the crime.
- Digital forensics experts – Computer data, cellphone records, and other digital evidence play increasing roles in criminal cases. Digital forensics experts can uncover or reanalyze electronic evidence that prosecutors may have overlooked or misrepresented in your original trial, such as location data that provides a defendant with an alibi.
Wrongfully Convicted? Trust Mueller Law Firm to Fight for Your Freedom
Anyone wrongfully convicted deserves an aggressive advocate who will fight for their freedom and hold the system accountable. At Mueller Law Firm, our team often works with expert witnesses to help our clients find justice and regain their freedom. Using expert witnesses and other tools, Mueller Law Firm has overturned many wrongful convictions and helped our clients recover fair compensation for their time behind bars. We’re ready to hear your story and help you find justice. Call us today at 248-489-9653 or complete our contact form for a free consultation.
