EVIDENCE Proof Generally: Authorize Noninvasive Procedures in Addition to Blood Tests to Collect DNA Samples and Determine Characteristics; Allow Collection of DNA Samples of Convicted Felon in Addition to Sec Offenders; Provide for Sharing DNA Information for Law Enforcement Purposes; Allow Criminal Defendants Access to the DNA Data Bank in Certain Circumstances

Authors

Jill Wasserman

Document Type

Peach Sheet

Abstract

The Act changes and updates several sections of the Georgia Code pertaining to the establishment of a DNA data bank for law enforcement purposes. Prior to the Act, the Code provided that DNA would be collected through blood samples from prisoners convicted of certain sex offenses. The Act subjects all convicted felons incarcerated in Georgia to DNA collection. In addition, the Act expands the acceptable methods of DNA collection beyond taking blood to include other less invasive procedures, including oral swabs. Further, the Act clarifies the procedures and timing the collecting the samples. It also allows law enforcement agencies to share information in the data bank for law enforcement purposes. Finally, the Act expressly allows criminal defendants a means of access, in certain circumstances, to the information in the DNA data book for comparison purposes.

Recommended Citation

Jill Wasserman, EVIDENCE Proof Generally: Authorize Noninvasive Procedures in Addition to Blood Tests to Collect DNA Samples and Determine Characteristics; Allow Collection of DNA Samples of Convicted Felon in Addition to Sec Offenders; Provide for Sharing DNA Information for Law Enforcement Purposes; Allow Criminal Defendants Access to the DNA Data Bank in Certain Circumstances, 17 Ga. St. U. L. Rev. (2000).
Available at: https://readingroom.law.gsu.edu/gsulr/vol17/iss1/19