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Forensic Dentistry

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For a Massachusetts criminal defense lawyer defending an individual accused of murder, the dental records of the alleged victim may play a critical role in the outcome of the case. Forensic dentistry, or odontology, is the scientific study of teeth and bitemarks. Forensic odontologists may be able to assist in establishing the identity of skeletal remains or a decomposing or otherwise unidentifiable body. By using dental records, or other clues from the scene or the teeth themselves, a forensic odontologist may be able to positively match a skeleton to a person. Forensic odontologists are also commonly used in identifying victims of mass disasters and assisting in missing person cases.

Criminal Lawyer Explains: Dental Evidence

Forensic odontology can prove indispensible in solving homicides, murders, and assaults. After all, it would be extremely difficult for investigators to solve a murder case without the identity of the victim. From examining the teeth, a forensic odontologist will be able to identify the race, age, diet, habits and, perhaps, even the person’s socio-economic standing.

It can be so critically important to preserve dental evidence when unearthing, examining, or removing a body that the American Board of Forensic Odontology’s has created guidelines for recording dental evidence and evaluating bitemarks. The guidelines include recommended evidence collection tools, proper storage and preservation techniques, and electronic database protocols for antemortem and postmortem comparisons. Online dental record databases have proven to be an invaluable tool for forensic odontologists seeking to identify a body.

Forensic Odontology also includes the study of bitemarks. Bitemarks are common in assault and sexual assault cases. By carefully examining a bitemark, a forensic odontologist may be able to match bitemark characteristics to the suspected perpetrator’s teeth. While the American Board of Forensic Odontology is attempting to establish bitemark evidence collection protocols, preservation of such injuries is likely to remain elusive. Human skin varies in its flexibility, elasticity and resistance to puncture. During the bite, the skin is likely stretched to some degree. Teeth may puncture or only tear skin. Following the bite, the skin returns, at least to some extent, to its original shape, thereby obscuring the bitemark characteristics. Moreover, the victim, her friends or family, emergency medical responders, or hospital staff will reshape or alter the wound lineamentsas they treat, disinfect, or suture it. For an odontologist, reliably matching a wound to a suspect’s teeth will remain a formidable task.

Contact a Massachusetts Criminal Defense Lawyer

If you or a loved one is accused of a crime kindly contact Kevin J. Mahoney, a Cambridge, MA criminal defense lawyer, to schedule a free in-office consultation by calling 617-492-0055.

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Testimonials

  • NS, a DUI client,about 1 month ago

    Attorney Mahoney,

    I just wanted to say thank you for such a wonderful and excellent job you did for me. You were quite impressive up there and you really did your homework catching her in a few lies from previous testimony. You are the best! Even though I never want to be in this situation again, if I know anyone I will give them your name.

    Thank Amy for me too! She is a great asset to have in your office! Very pleasant and understanding.

    Again thank you and go Celtics!
     

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  • about 1 month ago

    Kevin Mahoney recently represented me in a case for destruction of property and disorderly conduct. He was extremely thorough and persistent, and despite a great deal of evidence against me, he managed to get the felony charge dropped without having to go to trial.

    I had never been in legal trouble before and had no idea how to proceed, and without his counsel, I am sure that I would have gotten convicted.

    He listened to my specific needs and always acted in my best interest. His knowledge, attention to detail, and general courtroom presence continued to amaze me throughout the entire process.
     

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  • M.K.about 1 month ago

    Dear Attorney Mahoney:

    I wish to express my sincere appreciation for your efforts on my behalf. Your defense was truly outstanding. The court room skills that you demonstrated and legal knowledge were truly incomparable. I’m wishing you the very best in your future endeavors.

    In addition, I ‘m looking forward to viewing the Jello Trial on Court T.V. Let me thank you once again.

     

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  • about 1 month ago

    Attorney Mahoney,

    Is very knowledgeable and very professional. He has just represented me in a case lasting a year and a half, and he made sure I got a fair trial with a fair jury. He kept me well informed about what would be happening in the court room and always had a well thought out defense for any route of attack the D.A. would be planning on.

    My trial took 2 and a half days and after the jury deliberated for approximately 23 minutes they came back with a “Not guilty” verdict. I would recommend Attorney Mahoney to anyone I know, but I sure hope I dont need him again. : ) .
     

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Kevin J. Mahoney’s New Book Coming Soon

The Title IX Sexual Harassment Handbook

"Attorney Mahoney is currently authoring an authoritative and strategy driven compendium on investigating and defending Title IX sexual assault cases for lawyers, students, and universities. The book will be available through James Publishing within months."

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