Opinion ID: 2267917
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 5

Heading: The Chain of Custody Requirement

Text: Section 4504(a)(4) requires that petitioner make a prima facie showing that the sample to be tested has been subject to a chain of custody sufficient to establish that it was not materially altered, replaced or degraded. It is normally the State, however, that has custody of the sample and the ability to determine its current condition. Apparently aware of this dilemma, the General Assembly has required only that petitioner make a prima facie showing in support of the chain of custody requirement. A prima facie showing merely requires enough evidence to allow the fact-trier to infer the fact at issue and rule in the party's favor. [14] We find that, to satisfy § 4504(a)(4), petitioner need only execute or otherwise produce an affidavit stating that the sample was gathered by and remains in the custody of a state agency, hospital, or other institution capable of identifying and securing the sample. If the State contests either the chain of custody or the condition of the sample, the State must provide petitioner sufficient information, including access to the sample, to permit petitioner to develop a factual record for the trial court. This approach allows petitioner to meet the initial burden of making a prima facie showing and, if more evidence is needed, to obtain the relevant facts that often will be in the State's exclusive control.