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Meeting Date:	01/13/2020
District Attorney Testing of Forensic Evidence, FY 2020 Application
Submitted for:	Margarita Garza	Submitted By:	Margarita Garza
Department:	Water Utilities

Subject:

Discussion with possible action to ratify and authorize the Economic Development Department to assist the Webb County District Attorney in the submission of an Office of the Governor, Public Safety Office District Attorney Testing of Forensic Evidence, FY 2020 in the amount of $97,500 to cover the costs of forensic evidence exams for the most serious crimes; and authorizing the Webb County Judge to execute all relevant documents; and any other matters incident thereto. This grant application does not require a cash match; thus, will have no impact to the general fund. All required documents were sent for review through the Economic Development Department and the solicitation is compliant with the Webb County Single Point of Contact (SPOC) procedures. [Requested by Isidro "Chilo" Alaniz, District Attorney]

Issue: As defined in the Texas Code of Criminal Procedures, Section 38.35 governs the admissibility of forensic evidence in a court of law. The section defines “Forensic Analysis” as an expert examination or test performed on physical evidence. The purpose of the exam is to determine whether a connection exists between said physical evidence and an individual accused of a crime through the testing of DNA and Non-DNA Forensic Testing.

Solution: Ratify the submission of the grant application.

Result: The funding will cover the cost associated with forensic analysis of physical evidence. This would enable the prosecution to use forensic science with the objective to seek justice for victims of crime.

Background:

Forensic Analysis are examinations/tests performed on physical evidence to determine whether a connection exists between said physical evidence and an individual accused of a crime through the testing of DNA and Non-DNA Forensic Testing. In the investigation and prosecution of criminal cases, the use of forensic science is one of the most important tools available to a prosecutor in his or her search for the truth. Forensic evidence is often of critical importance to the prosecution of the most serious offenses; additional funding for forensic testing would allow the prosecuting team to thoroughly test its theories in such serious cases. Forensic evidence can be critical in these matters of life and death, for both the prosecution and the defense.

Previous Court Action:

N/A

Fiscal Impact

Budget Account Number:	N/A
Funding Source:	N/A
Balance:	N/A
Financial Impact:
No Match is required; there is no impact to the General Fund.

Attachments
Funding Announcement
Letter of Intent for SPOC