Ballistic Evidence
The technology in Ballistic Evidence today has changed the way gun crimes and other crimes are investigated and it has helped solve many cases throughout the United States.

The theory is that no two guns are alike. Even the same model of gun made by the same manufacturer will have different characteristics. When a gun is fired, subtle characteristics are transferred through the bullet and cartridge casings in the form of scrapes, scratches, marks or indentations.

A trained ballistic examiner will make matches and help solve crimes. Essentially he will compare the evidence under a microscope and determine whether the two objects match, The initial routine may include the taking of bullets, fragments, or empty casings and test fire samples from the recovered gun that are photographed with digital cameras. Then they are converted into computer images. A computer can then compare the characteristics of a bullet or casing with thousands of other stored images. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms can do this at their National Laboratory. Obviously this technology has changed the way gun crimes are solved.

Ballistic examiners have always been aware of the fact that there are differences in the marks every gun makes on bullets after it is fired. For instance, when the trigger is pulled, a hammer hits the firing pin thereby driving the metal into the powder primer and leaving a mark on the casing. Further, marks are also made on the casings at the time they are ejected out of the gun. Ballistic examiners also review landmarks. The inside of the barrel of the gun cuts small grooves into the bullet as it spins and accelerates out of the barrel. These ridges are called Lands. Ballistic experts contend that every gun has a unique ridge inside the barrel.

Gerald R. Stahl, Trial Lawyer, has the knowledge and experience to ensure the protection of your basic rights in a criminal action.