Opinion ID: 2350797
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 8

Heading: Forensic testing at trial

Text: ¶ 40 In Riofta we determined that whether a defendant requests DNA testing at trial may be considered in deciding a postconviction motion for DNA testing. Therefore, a further description of the facts regarding forensic testing for trial is relevant and in the context here, highly significant. ¶ 41 Greg Frank, a forensic scientist with the Washington State Patrol laboratory in Marysville, testified at trial to a three-month backlog of cases requiring testing at the Marysville laboratory at the time the bodily fluid evidence in this case was received. He stated that by the time he began testing the blood and other samples, it was too late to send samples on to the state lab in Seattle where DNA testing was done and still have the DNA testing complete by the time of trial in accordance with speedy trial rights. ¶ 42 The defense did not seek a continuance for the purpose of DNA testing. However, the defense did move for a continuance for the purpose of trying to obtain other evidence that allegedly would implicate another person as the individual who assaulted J.S. (a motion that the trial court denied as being too iffy, untimely, and of marginal relevance, 1 VRP at 16). ¶ 43 During closing argument, defense counsel referred to the fact that there was no DNA evidence, saying that being overworked was an unacceptable excuse for DNA testing not having been completed, and described the State's failure to produce DNA evidence as lack of evidence that the defendant was guilty. VRP at 100. The prosecuting attorney responded that he wished he did have DNA evidence. He explained to the jury that there were limitations due to the state budget for staff, the time needed to conduct the testing, and the defendant's speedy trial rights. [6] ¶ 44 With these additional facts, I turn to the issue before us.