This week, I was invited to speak at the American Chemical Society (ACS) 2013 Spring National Meeting in New Orleans. I was part of a panel which examined the validity and limitations in forensic science. Our session was featured on C&EN best of the conference picks. C&EN Picks – New Orleans National Meeting: Wednesday April…
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If We Didn’t Have DNA He Would Have Been a Goner
Imagine being 19 years old and spending 9 months in jail for a crime you did not commit. This is the sad case of T.G. Fortunately, this sad story has ended due to the efforts of The McShane Firm who fought tirelessly and eventually got the charges dropped. T.G.’s case is a prime example of how…
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Innocence! Forensic Science, Chemistry and the Law features the Innocence Project and Wrongful Convictions
The American Chemical Society’s Chemistry and the Law Division and its Forensic Science Co-Chairmen, Justin McShane, Esq. of Harrisburg, PA and Josh D. Lee, Esq. of Vinita, OK, are proud to announce a full-day presentation on the work of the Innocence Project. Forensic Science often plays a tragic role in the conviction and wrongful imprisonment…
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Training to be the Best
Our regular readers know that I place a lot of emphasis on advanced DUI training and lecturing. In 2011 I spent over 600 hours in training seminars and will top that again this year. That’s the equivalent of 3 months solid of training. There is no DUI lawyer in PA who spends this much time…
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Another DUI Breath Testing Scandal, This Time Vermont
As one of the leading DUI attorneys in Pennsylvania, I make it a point to vigorously challenge DUI breath testing evidence because of the number of false readings these machines produce. The technology is bad and the police rarely keep the machines in proper working order. Unsurprisingly, another breath testing scandal has called more DUI…
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External Quality Assurance Auditor for Pennsylvania Forensics Labs
Forensics, in the form of both blood and breath testing, is a big part of a DUI case. This is why I have dedicated myself to the study of forensic science so I can offer the best defense for my clients. You have to know the science to hold the scientists accountable. In my studies…
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Attorney McShane to Speak at NCDD Summer Session
I recently received confirmation from the National College for DUI Defense (NCDD) that I have been selected to present at the 2012 NCDD Summer Session which is held every year on the campus of the Harvard University School of Law. My topic is on “Basic Gas Chromatography for Blood Alcohol Content”. The NCDD Summer Session…
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Crime Labs Positive. Retests Show Substance was not Present in the First Place!
Blood tests are often treated like the “holy grail” of DUI evidence. Prosecutors see it as infallible and many inexperienced DUI attorneys fail to question the results because of its perceived accuracy. I even once had a prosecutor say to me, in open court mind you, “It’s a blood test. How can you possibly challenge…
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The Disconnect Between Science and Crime Labs
Science is a very important part of criminal law, especially when it comes to DUI. In many cases, the bulk of the evidence lies in blood and breath test reports. To produce valid and accurate results, science has outlined specific methodologies and procedures that need to be followed and if these are violated, the results…
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High Error Rates in State Crime Labs Lead to False Convictions
One of the the problems I face when dealing with state crime labs is that the average judge or juror sees them as being actually infallible and wholly scientific. This couldn’t be further from the truth. The fact of the matter is that these crime labs are about as scientific as a tenth grade chemistry…
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