CURRICULUM VITA
Max Courtney
Present Positions:
  • Lab Director and Forensic Chemist, Forensic Consultant Services, since 1976.

    • Former Positions:
  • Senior Lecturer, Criminal Justice Division, Institute of Urban Studies, University of Texas at Arlington, 1980 - 1986.
  • Criminalist and Assistant Director, Fort Worth Police Crime Lab, 1970 - 1980.
  • Adjunct Instructor of Chemistry, Tarrant County Junior College, 1970 - 1980.
  • Adjunct Instructor of Criminal Justice, University of Texas at Arlington, 1978 - 1980.
  • Adjunct Instructor of Criminal Justice and Forensic Chemistry, Tarrant County Junior College, 1990-1993.

    • Formal Education:
  • B. S., Chemistry, West Texas State University, 1967.
  • M. S., Chemistry, West Texas State University, 1969.
  • Additional studies in Chemistry and Geology, Texas Christian University, 1969 - 1973.

    • Special Courses Attended:
  • Applied Molecular Spectroscopy, Arizona State U., 1971.
  • Forensic Chemists Seminar, Drug Enforcement Admin., 1972.
  • Chemical Test Supervisor Course, Indiana U., 1974.
  • Chromatography, F. B. I. Academy, 1977.
  • Gunpowder and Primer Residues, F. B. I. Academy, 1978.
  • Forensic Microscopy Workshop, McCrone Research Inst., 1979.
  • Intoxilyzer Theory and Maintenance, CMI, 1980.
  • Headlamp Workshop, So. Assn. of Forensic Scientists, 1981.
  • Bloodstain Interpretation Workshop, Univ. of Texas at Arlington, 1982
  • Intoxilyzer Theory and Repairs, Texas DPS, 1985.
  • Explosives Workshop, SW Assn. of Forensic Scientists, 1985.
  • Clandestine Lab Workshop, SW and Southern Assns. of Forensic Scientists, 1987.
  • Clandestine Lab Hazards Workshop, SW Assn. of Forensic Scientists, 1989.
  • Intoxilyzer 5000 Workshop, CMI-MPH, 1990.
  • Intoxilyzer Repair, User Group, 1992.
  • LSD Workshop, Clandestine Laboratory Investigating Chemists Assn., 1992.
  • Drinking and Driving Experiment, Texas A & M University, 1993.
  • Chromatography Seminar, Clandestine Laboratory Investigating Chemists Assn., 1993.
  • Physiology and Pharmacology of Alcohol: Forensic Science Aspects, Texas DPS, 1994.
  • International Symposium on the Forensic Aspects of Footwear and Tire Impression Evidence, FBI, 1994.
  • Lamp Bulb Examinations, SW Assn. of Forensic Scientists, 1995.
  • Shooting Reconstruction, SW Assn. of Forensic Scientists, 1995.
  • Introduction to Clandestine Grave Investigations, Sw Assn of Forensic Scientists, 1995.
  • Shooting Crime Scene Reconstruction, FBI, 1996.
  • NHTSA Faculty Development Workshop: DUI/Traffic Safety Cases, National Judicial College, 1997.
  • Winchester Wound Ballistics Seminar, Fort Worth Police Department, 2000.
  • Duct Tape Examinations, Southern Assn. of Forensic Scientists, 2000.
  • Clandestine Laboratory Workshop, Southern Assn. of Forensic Scientists, 2000.

    • Courtroom Experience:
  • Expert testimony rendered in areas described below in several hundred trials in Federal Court and various state courts, including Texas, New Mexico, California, Oklahoma, Arizona, and Kentucky.

    • Forensic Testing Experience:
  • Controlled substances and clandestine drug labs
  • Firearms exams, bullet and cartridge case identifications
  • Gunshot residues and muzzle distance determinations
  • Alcohol toxicology and pharmacology
  • Semen and blood identification
  • Arson and explosive residues
  • Fingerprint processing
  • Obliterated data restoration
  • Toolmark comparisons
  • Tiretread and footwear comparisons
  • Crime scene evaluations and reconstruction
  • Vehicular evidence
  • Bloodstain interpretations
  • Statistical analysis and polling
  • Crime lab management studies
  • Trace evidence, including hairs, fibers, soil, paint, glass, minerals, plastics, etc.

    • Professional Affiliations:
  • Alcohol Testing Alliance
  • American Academy of Forensic Sciences
  • American Society of Crime Lab Directors
  • Association of Crime Scene Reconstruction
  • Clandestine Laboratory Investigating Chemists Association
  • Southern Association of Forensic Scientists
  • Southwestern Association of Forensic Scientists

    • Papers Presented in Scientific Meetings:
  • "An Unusual Case Involving Death by Gunshot Wound," May, 1979, SW Assn. of Forensic Scientists.
  • "Anomalous Gunpowder Residue Patterns of Nylon Windbreaker Fabric," Nov., 1979, SW Assn. of Forensic Scientists.
  • "Results of Schools and Testing in the New Intoxilyzer Program," May, 1981, SW Assn. of Forensic Scientists.
  • "Microscopy of Selected Fur Pelts," 1982, American Academy of Forensic Sciences.
  • "Bullet Ricochet from Selected Surfaces," 1983, American Academy of Forensic Sciences.
  • "Empirical Observations on Bullet Ricochet," May, 1983, SW Assn. of Forensic Scientists.
  • "Preliminary Report of Texas Attitudes on the New D. W. I. Legislation," May, 1983, SW Assn. of Forensic Scientists.
  • "Crime Laboratory Management and Deployment in Texas," 1984, American Academy of Forensic Sciences.
  • "GC-MS Drug Analysis," October, 1985, SW Assn. of Forensic Scientists.
  • "Star Wars Goes to the Crime Scene," November, 1986, SW Assn. of Forensic Scientists.
  • "Gunpowder Patterns on Selected Fabrics," 1986, American Academy of Forensic Sciences.
  • "Empirical Studies and Case Histories Involving Duct Tape," November, 1986, SW. Assn. of Forensic Scientists.
  • "A Protocol for the Forensic Chemist in the Field Investigation of Clandestine Amphetamine Labs," November, 1987, SW Assn. of Forensic Scientists.
  • "Lab Studies and Case Histories with the Electrostatic Dust Print Lifter," co-authored with J. M. Maberry, November, 1987, SW Assn. of Forensic Scientists.
  • "Paradox in the Crime Lab," May, 1988, Southern Assn. of Forensic Scientists; August, 1988, Southwestern Assn. of Forensic Scientists.
  • "Chemical Screening and Laboratory Analysis of Clandestine Amphetamine Laboratories," May, 1988, Southern Assn. of Forensic Scientists; August, 1988, Southwestern Assn. of Forensic Scientists.
  • "Videotaping Crime Scenes," Texas Conference, International Association for Identification, 1989.
  • "Procedures for Volume Estimation in Clandestine Lab Reaction Vessels," co-authored with Manuel Valadez, November, 1989, Southwestern Assn. of Forensic Scientists.
  • "Phenylacetone Synthesis in Clandestine Labs," co-authored with T. R. Ekis and J. R. Dupre', Southwestern Assn. of Forensic Scientists, November, 1989.
  • "Clandestine Misadventure," April, 1990, Southwestern Assn. of Forensic Scientists.
  • "The Efficacy of Latent Print Examinations in Clandestine Lab Seizures," co-authored with T. R. Ekis and J. M. Maberry, October, 1990, Southwestern Assn. of Forensic Scientists.
  • "Blood Spatter," April, 1991, Texas State Bar Professional Development Program.
  • "Too Much Blood Will Tell, Finally," April, 1991, Southwestern Assn. of Forensic Scientists.
  • "Shoeprint Identification," June, 1991, Texas Div., International Assn. for Identification.
  • "Variations of Leuckart-Type Amphetamine Syntheses," September, 1991, Clandestine Laboratory Investigating Chemists Assn.
  • "Le tableau d'ensemble (The Big Picture): Combining Blood Spatter Evidence with Forensic Serology and DNA Analysis," September, 1991, International Association of Bloodstain Pattern Analysts and Canadian Society of Forensic Sciences.
  • "Synthesis of Amphetamines via the Leuckart Reaction," co-authored with T. R. Ekis and J. E. Springer, September, 1991, Southwestern Assn. of Forensic Scientists.
  • "Paradox and Adams," September, 1991, Southwestern Assn. of Forensic Scientists.
  • "Using the Luminol Reagent's Reaction with Blood in Crime Scene Reconstruction," April, 1992, Southern and Southwestern Assns. of Forensic Scientists.
  • "Differences Between First and Second Breath Specimens," April, 1992, Southern and Southwestern Assns. of Forensic Scientists.
  • "Synthesis of Phenethylamines through the Leuckart Reaction," September, 1992, Clandestine Laboratory Investigating Chemists Assn.
  • "In Search of Reason--Evaluating Clandestine Labs for Court," September, 1992, Clandestine Laboratory Investigating Chemists Assn.
  • "A Thousand Points of Light--Defining Blood Spatter through Chemical Enhancement," October, 1992, SW Assn. of Forensic Scientists.
  • "Comparison of the Agreement in Alcohol Concentrations of Dual Breath Specimens with Specimen Durations," April, 1993, SW Assn. of Forensic Scientists.
  • "Examinations of Duct Tape in Clandestine Labs," September, 1993, Clandestine Laboratory Investigating Chemists Assn.
  • "Texas vs. Koslow," April, 1994, Southwestern & Southern Associations of Forensic Scientists.
  • "Sodium Bicarbonate Assay in Controlled Substance Exhibits," 1994, Clandestine Laboratory Investigating Chemists Assn. (also presented November, 1994, Southwestern Assn. of Forensic Scientists).
  • "Crime Scene Reconstruction--DNA and Blood Spatter," September, 1994, Assn. of Crime Scene Reconstruction.
  • "Self-Wounding of Assailants During Stabbing and Cutting Attacks," presented with Jim Varnon, November, 1994, Southwestern Assn. of Forensic Scientists; Southern Assn. of Forensic Scientists, May, 1995; combined IABPA and ACSR meeting, September, 1995.
  • "Turn Out the Lights--The Party's Over: Luminol, DNA and Blood Spatter," presented with Aliece Watts, November, 1994, Southwestern Assn. of Forensic Scientists.
  • "Faded Love, Dim Impressions," April, 1996, Southwestern Assn. of Forensic Scientists.
  • "Luminol: The Next Generation," April, 1996, Southwestern Assn. of Forensic Scientists.
  • "Low Lux Video CCD as a Crime Scene Reconstruction Tool, FBI Shooting Crime Scene Reconstruction Seminar, 1996
  • "Chemicals and Processes in Clandestine Drug Laboratories," April, 1998, Southwestern Assn. of Toxicologists.
  • "High-Resolution Digital Scanning of Cyanoacrylate-Developed Latent Prints," April, 1998, Southwestern Assn. of Forensic Scientists (poster presentation).
  • "Utilizing Results of Various Blood Alcohol Determination Methodologies in Predicting Intoxication," June, 2002, Alcohol Testing Alliance.

    • Workshops Conducted:
  • Crime Scene Search Methods, U. T. Arlington, 1980 - 1986.
  • Crime Scene Search Methods, Fort Worth Police Academy, 1983 and 1984.
  • Bullet Ricochet Workshop, SW Assn. of Forensic Scientists, 1984.
  • Clandestine Drug Labs, Tarrant County Junior College Criminal Justice Training Center, 1986.
  • Footwear and Tiretread Impressions, SW Assn. of Forensic Scientists, 1985.
  • Crime Scene Reconstruction, SW Assn. of Forensic Scientists, 1987.
  • Footwear and Tiretread Evidence, No. Louisiana Crime Lab Commission, 1988.
  • Techniques in Clandestine Drug Labs, Grand Prairie P. D. Academy, 1988, 1989, 1990.
  • Techniques in Clandestine Drug Labs, Hopkins Co. Sheriff's Academy, 1989.
  • Paradox--An Approach to Crime Laboratory Information Management, Southwestern Assn. of Forensic Scientists, 1989.
  • Techniques in Clandestine Drug Labs, Sulfur Springs P. D., 1990.
  • Footwear and Tiretread Evidence, Southwestern Assn. of Forensic Scientists, 1990.
  • Techniques in Clandestine Drug Labs, East Texas Police Academy, 1991.
  • Drugs Workshop, Texas State Bar Professional Development Program, 1991.
  • Advanced Crime Scene Techniques, Southern and Southwestern Assns. of Forensic Scientists, 1992.
  • Advanced Crime Scene Analysis, West Virginia State Police Crime Lab, 1992.
  • Clandestine Amphetamine Labs, West Virginia State Police, 1992.
  • Statistical Analysis in the Crime Lab, Southwestern Assn. of Forensic Scientists, 1993.
  • Luminol Processing, Southwestern Assn. of Forensic Scientists, 1993.
  • Advanced Crime Scene Techniques, Austin Police Department, 1994.
  • Advanced Crime Scene Reconstruction, North Louisiana Crime Lab Commission, 1994.
  • Statistical Analysis in the Crime Lab, Southwestern & Southern Associations of Forensic Scientists, 1994.
  • Advanced Crime Scene Techniques, Mansfield PD and NCTCOG Accademy, 1995.
  • Criminalistics and Crime Scene Reconstruction; a Seminar for Attorneys, April, 1996, Southwestern Assn. of Forensic Scientists.
  • Advanced Shooting Reconstruction, April, 1996, Southwestern Assn. of Forensic Scientists.
  • Reconstruction and Impression Evidence, June, 1997, Louisiana Crime Laboratory Association.
  • Shooting Reconstruction, April, 1998, Southwestern Assn. of Forensic Scientists.
  • Shooting Incident Reconstruction, September, 1998, Grand Prairie Police Academy.
  • Advanced Crime Scene Investigation, November, 1998, Mansfield Police Academy.
  • Shooting Reconstruction, January, 1999, El Paso Police Academy.
  • Reconstruction of Officer-Involved Shootings, October 2003, DEA Academy.

    • Publications:
  • Preparation and Pyrolysis of 3-alkoxyalkynes, Master Thesis, West Texas State University, 1969.
  • "Erroneous Determination of Phenelzine as Amphetamine and Methamphetamine," Microgram, 1973.
  • "An Unusual Case Involving Death by Gunshot Wound," AFTE J., 1981.
  • Texas Breath Test Operator Manual, co-authored, Texas Dept. of Public Safety, 1980, revised 1994.
  • Citizen Attitudes in Texas on Proposed Changes in the State Intoxicated Driver Laws, co-authored, Institute of Urban Studies, U. T. Arlington, 1983.
  • A Study on the Management, Deployment, and Utilization of Crime Laboratories in Texas, co-authored with E. E. Hueske, Institute of Urban Studies, U. T. Arlington, 1984.
  • Guidebook for Crime Scene Investigation, Forensic Consultant Services, 1985.
  • "A Protocol for the Forensic Chemist in the Field Investigation of Clandestine Amphetamine Labs," co-authored with T. R. Ekis, SWAFS Journal, Spring, 1988.
  • Investigation of Clandestine Amphetamine Labs, Burleson: Spotlight Publishing Co., 1989.
  • "Paradox in the Crime Lab," SWAFS Journal, Spring, 1989.
  • "Chemical Screening and Laboratory Analysis of Clandestine Amphetamine Laboratories," co-authored with T. R. Ekis, ,SWAFS Journal, Spring, 1989.
  • "Phenylacetone Synthesis and Clandestine Laboratories," SWAFS Journal, April, 1990.
  • "Procedure for Volume Estimation in Clandestine Laboratory Reaction Vessels," SWAFS Journal, April, 1990.
  • "The Efficacy of Latent Print Examinations in Clandestine Lab Seizures," co-authored with T. R. Ekis and J. M. Maberry, SWAFS Journal, 13-1, 34, 1991.
  • "The Use of Latent Prints in the Investigation of Clandestine Drug Labs," co-authored with T. R. Ekis and J. M. Maberry, Journal of the Clandestine Laboratory Investigating Chemists Association, 1-3, 9, 1991.
  • "The Difference Between First and Second Breath Specimens," co-authored with Steve Kleypas and Janet Benton, SWAFS J., 14-2, 1992.
  • "Using the Luminol Reaction with Blood in Crime Scene Reconstruction," co-authored with Thomas R. Ekis, SWAFS J., 14-2, 21, 1992.
  • "Who Needs Regulated Chemicals? Phenylacetone Synthesis Through a Friedel-Crafts Alkylation," co-authored with Thomas R. Ekis, J. CLIC, 2-4, 17 (1992).
  • "In Search of Reason: Evaluating Clandestine Labs for Court," J. CLIC, 2-4, 29 (1992).
  • "A Thousand Points of Light; Defining Blood Spatter Through Chemical Enhancement," SWAFS J., 15-1, 46, 1993.
  • "The Efficacy of Latent Print Examinations in Clandestine Lab Seizures, co-authored with T. R. Ekis and J. M. Maberry, TDIAI News, 47-3, 1993 (reprint).
  • "Comparison of the Agreement in Alcohol Concentrations of Dual Breath Specimens with Specimen Durations," co-authored with J. Benton and S. Kleypas, SWAFS J., 15-2, 25, 1993.
  • "Evidential Examinations of Duct Tape," SWAFS J., 16-1, 10, 1994.
  • "The Use of Hand-Held Laser Pointers in the Reconstruction of Events at Crime Scenes," co-authored with Ed Hueske, SWAFS J., 16-1, 17, 1994. (reprinted in AFTE J., 1994).
  • "Self-Wounding of Assailants during Stabbing and Cutting Attacks," SWAFS J., 17-1, 19, 1995 (reprinted in CAC News, 1996, and in IABPA News, 12-3, 1996).
  • "Identification of Dents on Cartridge Cases," SWAFS J., 17-1, 28, 1995.
  • "Imagining Imaging; Some Thoughts on Forensic Applications of Digital Imaging Technology," SWAFS J., 17-1, 34, 1995.
  • "Luminol: The Next Generation," co-authored with Frank Shiller, Thomas R. Ekis, Michelle O'Neal, and Jon Brooks, SWAFS J., 18-1, 25, 1996.
  • "Low-lux Video CCD as a Crime Scene Reconstruction Tool," Proceedings of the "Shooting Crime Scene Processing and Reconstruction Seminar," FBI, 1996.
  • "What You See Is What You Get," co-authored with Jon Brooks, SWAFS J., 19-2, 17, 1996.
  • "Utilizing a High-Resolution Digital Scanner for Latent Prints," SWAFS J., 19-1, 22, 1997.
  • "Some Recent Innovations in Forensic Applications of Digital Imaging," SWAFS J., 19-1, 29, 1997.
  • "O, Dem Bones: Systematic Analysis of Remnants from 'Nazi' Methamphetamine Laboratories," co-authored with Thomas R. Ekis, J. CLIC, 13-1, 17, 2003.

    • Guest Lectureships:
  • Arlington Police Academy
  • Austin Police Academy
  • Dallas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association
  • East Texas Police Academy
  • Fort Worth Police Academy
  • Grand Prairie Police Academy
  • Hopkins County Sheriff's Academy
  • Inn of the Court of Judge Eldon Mahon
  • North Central Texas Regional Police Academy
  • North Louisiana Crime Lab Commission
  • Regional Organized Crime Information Center
  • Tarrant County Arson Investigators Association
  • Tarrant County Criminal Bar Association
  • Tarrant County Criminal Justice Training Center
  • Tarrant County Sheriff's Academy
  • Texas Center for the Judiciary
  • Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine
  • Texas Conference, International Assn. for Identification
  • Texas Court Reporters State Convention
  • Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Assn.
  • Texas Criminal Trial Advocacy Program
  • Texas District and County Attorneys Association
  • Texas State Bar Professional Development Program
  • West Virginia State Police Academy

    • Certifications:
  • Technical Supervisor, Texas Breath Alcohol Testing Program, Texas Department of Public Safety, 1974 - present.
  • Senior Crime Scene Analyst, International Association for Identification, 1992 - present.
    • Professional Offices Held:
  • Southwestern Association of Forensic Scientists: Secretary-Treasurer, 1979 - 1982.
  • Southwestern Association of Forensic Scientists: President, 1987 - 1988.
  • Southwestern Association of Forensic Scientists: Chairman, Board of Directors, 1988-1989.
  • Clandestine Laboratory Investigating Chemists Association, Board of Directors, 1992 - 1994.
  • Editor, SWAFS Journal, 1994 - 1997.
  • Association of Crime Scene Reconstruction, Board of Directors, 1995 - 1996.

    • Awards:
  • "James Zotter Award," SW Assn. of Forensic Scientists, 1985, ("For outstanding dedication and contributions to the Southwestern Association of Forensic Scientists and forensic science.").
  • "Outstanding Criminal Justice Educator," University of Texas at Arlington, 1985.
  • "CouLouie Award," SW Assn. of Forensic Scientists, 1990, ("In recognition of support of SWAFS Training Seminars.").
  • "Best Technical Paper," SW Assn. of Forensic Scientists, October, 1992, "A Thousand Points of Light," co-authored by Thomas R. Ekis.
  • "American Academy of Forensic Sciences Regional Award", February, 1994.
  • "Outstanding Juried Paper," Southwestern & Southern Associations of Forensic Scientists, April, 1994, "The Use of Hand-Held Laser Pointers in the Reconstruction of Events at Crime Scenes," co-authored and presented by Edward E. Hueske.
  • "Best Technical Paper," Southwestern Assn. of Forensic Scientists, November, 1994, "Self-Wounding of Assailants During Stabbing and Cutting Attacks," co-presented with Jim Varnon.