“Context influences everything.”

“Ruben was able to explain technical concepts in a manner that I (and the jury) could easily understand. Through his extensive time working for ESR, he was also able to give me advice on areas where the Crown expert had gone too far in their conclusions and, as a result, we were able to get significant portion’s of the Crown expert’s briefs amended before they gave evidence.

I found Ruben excellent to work with and I recommend him highly.”

Adam Holland, Defence Barrister, Auckland

"I have been practising as a criminal lawyer for over 20 years. I have been on the other side of Ruben Miller's evidence and more recently have sought his expertise on a number of cases. Ruben is a consummate professional and expert witness, he is extremely fair in his reporting and has the rare ability to breakdown complex scientific evidence into layman terms in his writing and in his oral evidence.”

John Munro, Defence Barrister, Auckland

“The cross examination of the prosecution scientist went really well thanks to Ruben’s report. I couldn’t have understood the science and prepared the cross examination as well as I did without it.”

Asta Gold, Defence Barrister, Waiuku

I offer independent case reviews and forensic consulting - complex, high-impact or historic cases, and ‘simple’ cases that seem open-and-shut. Details matter in all cases and perspective makes a difference.

After more than two decades as a senior forensic scientist with PHF Science (ESR), I now work independently with legal teams, investigators and agencies to provide technical review, case advice and clarity on forensic issues in criminal matters.

It isn’t just lab work - it’s language, logic and seeing what others might have missed.

### Expertise

- Independent review of forensic reports and scene evidence

- Advice on DNA transfer and persistence, bloodstain pattern analysis, physical and bilogical evidence

- Review of investigative processes and crime scene reconstruction

- Assistance with expert cross-examination strategy

- Input into appeals or post-conviction cases

- Technical writing, opinion reporting and consultation

### Who I Work With

- Defence and prosecution legal teams

- Private investigators

- Police and government agencies

- Review panels and oversight bodies

- Human rights or advocacy organisations

### Background

I worked for 23 years as a forensic scientist in Aotearoa New Zealand, primarily in crime scene examination, major crime casework and court presentation. I’ve given evidence in hundreds of court cases, trained police and forensic staff, and worked on everything from domestic violence to high-profile homicide.

### How I Work

My approach is detail-focused, impartial and collaborative. I’ll tell you what’s strong, what’s unclear and what questions still need asking. No fluff, no overstatement - just grounded forensic insight.

### Areas of Expertise Include:

  • crime scene examination and reconstruction

  • grave site examination

  • entomological collection

  • blood stain pattern analysis and interpretation

  • body fluid identification

  • trace biological material

  • DNA: using results to assist with interpretations

  • transfer and persistence of body fluids and DNA

  • hair examination and comparison

  • footwear and tyre print comparison

  • fabric damage interpretation

  • physical fit interpretation

  • serial number restoration

  • transfer and persistence of physical materials (glass, fibres, paint, hydrocarbon fuel, condom lubricant)

  • laser scanning capture of scenes

### Want to work together?

If you’d like to discuss a case or request a forensic review, get in touch.

Contact me