Rule 6.202 – Disclosure of Forensic Laboratory Report and Certificate; Applicability; Admissibility of Report and Certificate; Extension of Time; Adjournment

May 13, 2021 | Criminal Procedure, Michigan

(A) This rule shall apply to criminal trials in the district and circuit courts.

(B) Disclosure. Upon receipt of a forensic laboratory report and certificate, if applicable, by the examining expert, the prosecutor shall serve a copy of the laboratory report and certificate on the opposing party’s attorney or party, if not represented by an attorney, within 14 days after receipt of the laboratory report and certificate. A proof of service of the report and certificate, if applicable, on the opposing party’s attorney or party, if not represented by an attorney, shall be filed with the court.

(C) Notice and Demand.

(1) Notice. If a party intends to offer the report described in subsection (B) as evidence at trial, the party’s attorney or party, if not represented by an attorney, shall provide the opposing party’s attorney or party, if not represented by an attorney, with notice of that fact in writing. If the prosecuting attorney intends to offer the report as evidence at trial, notice to the defendant’s attorney or the defendant, if not represented by an attorney, shall be included with the report. If the defendant intends to offer the report as evidence at trial, notice to the prosecuting attorney shall be provided within 14 days after receipt of the report. Except as provided in subrule (C)(2), the report and certification, if applicable, is admissible in evidence to the same effect as if the person who performed the analysis or examination had personally testified.

(2) Demand. Upon receipt of a copy of the laboratory report and certificate, if applicable, the opposing party’s attorney or party, if not represented by an attorney, may file a written objection to the use of the laboratory report and certificate. The written objection shall be filed with the court in which the matter is pending, and shall be served on the opposing party’s attorney or party, if not represented by an attorney, within 14 days of receipt of the notice. If a written objection is filed, the report and certificate are not admissible under subrule (C)(1). If no objection is made to the use of the laboratory report and certificate within the time allowed by this section, the report and certificate are admissible in evidence as provided in subrule (C)(1).

(3) For good cause the court shall extend the time period of filing a written objection.

(4) Adjournment. Compliance with this court rule shall be good cause for an adjournment of the trial.

(D) Certification. Except as otherwise provided, the analyst who conducts the analysis on the forensic sample and signs the report shall complete a certificate on which the analyst shall state (i) that he or she is qualified by education, training, and experience to perform the analysis, (ii) the name and location of the laboratory where the analysis was performed, (iii) that performing the analysis is part of his or her regular duties, and (iv) that the tests were performed under industryapproved procedures or standards and the report accurately reflects the analyst’s findings and opinions regarding the results of those tests or analysis. A report submitted by an analyst who is employed by a laboratory that is accredited by a national or international accreditation entity that substantially meets the certification requirements described above may provide proof of the laboratory’s accreditation certificate in lieu of a separate certificate.

Mich. Ct. R. 6.202

Rule 6.202 added September 19, 2012, effective January 1, 2013.