Virginia law Section 19.2-187.01 establishes that a certificate of analysis from authorized laboratories serves as prima facie evidence of the chain of custody of material in criminal or civil cases. The law specifies which laboratories can produce such certificates and details the evidentiary weight given to these documents. It also clarifies that signatures on receipts or certificates are sufficient proof of authorization and proper receipt of materials.
It is a document from an authorized laboratory attesting to the analysis of material, serving as evidence of its custody and handling in legal proceedings.
Laboratories operated by the Virginia Division of Consolidated Laboratory Services, the Department of Forensic Science, federal agencies like the FBI, DEA, ATF, U.S. Postal Service, U.S. Secret Service, and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
No, the certificate is admissible without proof of seal or signature, as long as it is signed by an authorized person from the laboratory.
The signature of the person who received the material on the request or receipt form, whether by hand or electronic means, is prima facie evidence of proper receipt and authorization.