Firearms & Ballistics Expert Witness
Phoenix, AZ - USA
Job Summary
This is a remote position.
- Conduct forensic examinations of firearms ammunition and ballistic evidence including bullets cartridge cases and gunshot residue.
- Analyze shooting incidents including trajectory analysis distance determination and reconstruction of events based on physical evidence.
- Evaluate firearm functionality safety mechanisms and potential defects or malfunctions.
- Review case materials including scene evidence autopsy reports police reports and forensic lab findings to assess firearm-related events.
- Review and validate evidence of handling procedures including chain of custody laboratory analysis and testing protocols.
- Assess use-of-force scenarios involving firearms including officer-involved shootings self-defense claims and accidental discharges.
- Consult with legal teams to assess firearms evidence identify inconsistencies and support case strategy.
- Prepare detailed expert reports and professional opinions based on accepted firearms examination methodologies and forensic science principles.
- Provide expert witness testimony in depositions and trials translating complex concepts and firearms & ballistics findings into clear and defensible opinions
- Stay current on developments in firearms technology ballistic analysis techniques forensic standards and legal precedents related to firearms cases.
- 15 years of professional experience in Firearms Examination Ballistics Analysis Law Enforcement or Military Firearms Specialist roles Crime Lab Forensics or related fields.
- Bachelors or advanced degree in Forensic Science Criminal Justice Ballistics or a related field preferred.
- Extensive experience in firearms examination ballistics analysis or forensic firearms investigations.
- Deep understanding of firearms and forensic standards including toolmark identification trajectory analysis gunshot residue testing and evidence comparison techniques.
- Experience working with laboratory testing procedures firearms databases (e.g. NIBIN) and forensic analysis tools.
- Strong knowledge of firearm safety standards and shooting incident reconstruction.
- Demonstrated experience analyzing firearms-related evidence and presenting findings in investigative or legal settings.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to explain complex forensic concepts to attorneys juries and non-technical audiences.
- Prior expert witness or courtroom testimony experience is preferred.
- Relevant certifications or training in firearms examination forensic science or ballistics analysis are strongly preferred.
- 1099 independent contractor arrangement
- WFH
- Competitive hourly expert witness compensation
- Flexible case-based workload
- Dedicated case management and administrative support from initial client intake to billing and collections that allows you to focus on doing what you love delivering expert insights.
- Marketing and business development initiatives designed to generate new case opportunities and expand your reach and visibility in the legal industry.
- Peer review support and access to a multidisciplinary team of experts.
- Report writing support and professional development opportunities such as deposition coaching testimony training and continuing education in emerging human factors research.
- Flexible engagement structure.
- A collaborative environment where your expertise is valued and your contributions directly influence case outcomes.
Required Skills:
Key Responsibilities: Conduct forensic examinations of firearms ammunition and ballistic evidence including bullets cartridge cases and gunshot residue. Analyze shooting incidents including trajectory analysis distance determination and reconstruction of events based on physical evidence. Evaluate firearm functionality safety mechanisms and potential defects or malfunctions. Review case materials including scene evidence autopsy reports police reports and forensic lab findings to assess firearm-related events. Review and validate evidence of handling procedures including chain of custody laboratory analysis and testing protocols. Assess use-of-force scenarios involving firearms including officer-involved shootings self-defense claims and accidental discharges. Consult with legal teams to assess firearms evidence identify inconsistencies and support case strategy. Prepare detailed expert reports and professional opinions based on accepted firearms examination methodologies and forensic science principles. Provide expert witness testimony in depositions and trials translating complex concepts and firearms & ballistics findings into clear and defensible opinions Stay current on developments in firearms technology ballistic analysis techniques forensic standards and legal precedents related to firearms cases. Qualifications: 15 years of professional experience in Firearms Examination Ballistics Analysis Law Enforcement or Military Firearms Specialist roles Crime Lab Forensics or related fields. Bachelors or advanced degree in Forensic Science Criminal Justice Ballistics or a related field preferred. Extensive experience in firearms examination ballistics analysis or forensic firearms investigations. Deep understanding of firearms and forensic standards including toolmark identification trajectory analysis gunshot residue testing and evidence comparison techniques. Experience working with laboratory testing procedures firearms databases (e.g. NIBIN) and forensic analysis tools. Strong knowledge of firearm safety standards and shooting incident reconstruction. Demonstrated experience analyzing firearms-related evidence and presenting findings in investigative or legal settings. Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to explain complex forensic concepts to attorneys juries and non-technical audiences. Prior expert witness or courtroom testimony experience is preferred. Relevant certifications or training in firearms examination forensic science or ballistics analysis are strongly preferred.