Effective use of experienced expert testimony and advice in court often turns cases around
Forensic Ballistics is defined as the study of firearm usage in crimes.
Forensic Ballistic Services is built on 27 years’ experience of long time forensic ballistic expert
(firearm & toolmark examiner) Cobus Steyl. Using objective independent experts with experience brings
a checks and balance system to technical and scientific evidence already submitted to the court.
Attorneys & advocates should have a good working knowledge of the technical information available in
order to properly prepare for a case and ensure technical evidence presented by the opposing party is
correct in all aspects.
Often expert reports may be lacking information or may be written in a way which is difficult to
understand leaving large grey zones open for interpretation by the court. Mr. Steyl is able to offer
additional analysis beyond what the police laboratories are able to perform.
Mr. Steyl has testified in courts at all levels throughout the country in front of a multitude of well
known judges. He is experienced in using visual aids such as computerized sketches, laptop presentations,
photo albums provided within expert reports and the like to interpret the technical evidence in a manner
which can be understood by the layman.
Our mission is to provide the highest quality forensic examinations for the criminal justice community,
corporations and private individuals. We aim to provide every client with objective and reliable analysis
delivered in a timely manner.
We can answer these vital questions
- Can the client be linked to the scene of crime?
- Did the client’s gun fire the bullet and/or spent cartridge in question?
- Was the weapon faulty? Did the weapon have any mechanical defects which could have caused an accidental discharge?
- Was there a struggle? An accident? Negligence?
- Are the findings at the post mortem concerning wound ballistics correct?
- Was it or wasn’t it a suicide?
- What is the value of blackening or tattooing in your case?
- Did the bullet ricochet before hitting the deceased?
- Could one shot have created multiple entry / reentry wounds?
- At what range, angle or position was the shot fired?
- Could additional wounds have been inflicted afterwards?
- Was the scene of crime scientifically recorded and investigated? Were the correct findings obtained?
- Was exhibit integrity adhered to?