DNA evidence changed how criminal prosecution works. However, it is not infallible and might lead to false convictions. According to the Innocence Project, both the District of Columbia and Maryland allow for post-conviction DNA testing for crimes of violence. Even if you plead guilty, you have the option to appeal.
Your appeal might not rely on the accuracy of DNA testing but rather the inaccuracy. Forensic evidence does not permanently shut the door on appeals.
DNA works in probability
First, the term DNA matching is misleading. Forensic experts do not like to speak about exact matches. They deal in probability. A profiler might say there is a certain probability your DNA matches the DNA evidence. This probability drops as a DNA sample becomes more degraded. Unless the prosecutor uses a complete sample in their case, DNA evidence on its own is not enough.
Accuracy may vary
This also assumes the test itself is accurate. Contaminated samples may lead to an inaccurate result. Labs that do not follow the correct procedure might inadvertently provide an incorrect result. In extremely rare cases, DNA fraud occurs. The criminal might use someone else’s DNA to mislead the investigation. Also, if the accused is closely related to the actual perpetrator, this may lead to a false conviction due to similar DNA.
DNA is only a tool that guides the legal proceedings. It is not a failsafe method for solving crimes. You should strongly consider appealing a conviction that rests on DNA evidence. DNA tracing might falsely place you at the scene of the crime or fail to identify the actual perpetrator.