Recent News

September 26, 2008

e-Evidence: Defense Approach

As crime goes high-tech, criminal investigation, prosecution, and defense must follow. In 2005, a high school senior was charged with a variety of crimes ranging from a second-degree felony to a first-degree misdemeanor. Conviction could have radically changed the honor student's life, sending him to prison instead of the university. Fundamental to the case was what the student had on his computer and how it got there.

Matt Curtin served as a forensic computer scientist for the defense, making a critical examination of the data in question and of the investigator's analysis and conclusions. With the case being handled as a juvenile proceeding, identifying details have been withheld but all other details are quite real. After Curtin's analysis, a deal was reached with prosecutors that resulted in all charges being dropped, allowing the young man to proceed with his education.

The Columbus Bar welcomes Mr. Curtin as the presenter of the 3.0 hour CLE seminar “Electronic Evidence in Criminal Defense,” October 10, 9:00am to 12:15pm. This presentation is designed for attorneys with little or no experience with computers. Important technology terms and concepts will be explained and applied. Relevant case law will also be considered, showing how courts have interpreted the application of technology. The discussion of information technology will also apply in principle to civil matters.

Register online or call 614/221.4112 for event #LI081010. Member cost is $105 prepaid/$120 day-of, non-member cost is $150 prepaid/$165 day-of, and non-attorney cost is $75 prepaid/$90 day-of.