Situation
Building and presenting a compelling case in a shooting trial can be complicated and challenging, but a case can be significantly strengthened with forensic evidence that fills in the details such as: exact time, location, and sequence of shots fired. Without the right data, investigators can be stalled when trying to examine critical evidence and fully understand all aspects of a shooting incident. For the prosecutor, proving a shooting case can be tenuous without rock solid testimony that eliminates confusion, verifies details, and helps the jury come to the right conclusion.
Approach
The Detailed Forensic Report (DFR) is a court-admissible analysis of a shooting incident captured by the ShotSpotter system that is produced by forensic engineers. It provides critical details of, when, and where the shooting incident occurred.
200
Cases supported by testimony from Expert Witness Services
1,500+
DFRs produced for attorneys that bolster investigations and strengthen cases
Expert Witness testimony of the DFR bolsters the presentation of a case and assists in the trial. A ShotSpotter forensic expert presents the ShotSpotter evidence to the jury and this combination has been successfully admitted in over 200 court cases in 20 states including the District of Columbia.
Successes
ATF – CHICAGO FIELD DIVISION
A federal officer was ambushed in a shooting assault. A DFR and compelling expert testimony supported a successful prosecution and charges.
WESTERN DISTRICT OF NEW YORK
Man who was part of violent area group for more than a decade was convicted of murder and firearms offenses aided by expert testimony and DFR.
ALAMEDA COUNTY, CALIFORNIA
DFR and expert testimony helped corroborate kidnapped victim’s report of a shooting – added 20 years to potential prison sentence, influencing defendant to plea deal.
SOUTH BEND, INDIANA
Murder trial on appeal upholds guilty verdict in less than one hour with DFR and expert testimony.
SAVANNAH, GEORGIA
Case result changed in favor of defendant after DFR revealed time conflict in the time and place of shooting.
DENVER, COLORADO
Expert witness testimony helped secure guilty verdict in 2nd degree murder case.
WASHINGTON D.C. – U.S. ATTORNEY’S OFFICE
Shotspotter audio was the last piece of evidence a jury asked to hear before returning a guilty verdict for a defendant convicted of AWIK while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, assault, and unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition.
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS
With expert testimony and DFR aiding the case, a man received a life sentence without the possibility of parole for his first degree murder under theory of deliberate premeditation and extreme cruelty and atrocity.
[ShotSpotter expert witness] testimony summarizing the technology used to evaluate the evidence found at the crime scene... undoubtedly solidified for the jury the verdict of guilty.
[ShotSpotter provided] a truly great witness. I particularly appreciated your responsiveness and willingness to work within our unpredictable schedule. I think your testimony and analysis had a huge impact on the jury in all three trials.
