Other Criminal Defense Topics Attorney in Alexandria, Virginia What is your background in forensic science and how is that helpful to you in defending your clients?
What is your background in forensic science and how is that helpful to you in defending your clients?
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So when I was a public defender a friend of mine actually thought of this idea but I did it, which was to apply for a master’s program at George Washington University School of Forensic Science, which I did. I was in the program for a couple years and I took their DNA course and a course on forensic psychology, a course on firearms, this kind of stuff. With the students who would eventually be in the Department of Forensic Science somewhere.
I learned a lot from it, in particular about DNA, which is one of my areas of interest but probably most importantly what I got out of that were connections. Because the professors and the people at George Washington University I’m still in touch with them today. I hire them in cases, I consult with them about cases. These days almost any big case has forensic science in it. It could be DNA, it could be a firearms evidence, it could be digital forensics, computers, cellphones, all of this kind of stuff. It’s in every case more and more and I think the lawyer can never be an expert like someone who has that degree but it’s good for the lawyer to know enough to assess the case, figure out who to get, and have real conversations and really understand it. Rather than just sort of running through a list of questions with an expert because if you don’t understand it, you can’t react to surprised and you can’t adapt in the moment. And so, I think it’s a really big part of criminal defense.
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Alexandria, VA criminal defense attorney Chris Leibig talks about his background in forensic science and how it benefits his current practice. He states that while serving as a public defender, he pursued a master’s program at George Washington University School of Forensic Science, an idea initially suggested by a colleague. During his time in the program, he completed courses in DNA analysis, forensic psychology, and firearms examination, among others, alongside students who would go on to work in various departments of forensic science.
He emphasizes that the program provided not only substantive knowledge—particularly in DNA, one of his key areas of interest—but also invaluable professional connections. He continues to maintain relationships with the professors and graduates from the program, consulting and collaborating with them on cases when needed.
He notes that contemporary criminal cases increasingly involve forensic science, whether DNA, firearms, or digital evidence such as computers and cellphones. While a lawyer cannot be expected to possess the depth of expertise of a forensic specialist, he stresses that having a strong foundational understanding allows an attorney to evaluate cases effectively, engage meaningfully with experts, and respond strategically to unexpected developments. He considers this expertise an essential component of modern criminal defense practice.
