dna Tag Archives — New Jersey Lawyer Blog

Some Local Police Compiling Their Own DNA Databases

June 14, 2013 | by Aretsky Law Group

Some DNA Samples Don’t Meet Federal Regulations

Some local law enforcement agencies nationwide are compiling their own databases of DNA samples collected from suspected criminals and innocent people, according to an article in The New York Times.

The article in the New York Times yesterday detailed how several law enforcement agencies around the country have been compiling databases of DNA samples of everyone from detainees who are later cleared of charges to people who have fallen prey to criminals. These agencies say they don’t want to wait for federal databases. In some instances, the DNA samples they’re collecting don’t meet federal regulations to be included in the federal database.

Police Can Collect DNA Samples

June 5, 2013 | by Aretsky Law Group

Ruling Upholds DNA Law in New Jersey and Other States

In a ruling earlier this week, the Supreme Court authorized police to collect DNA samples from people arrested for serious crimes.

The ruling effectively upholds laws in states such as New Jersey, which allow law enforcement to collect DNA samples from arrestees, not just those who have been convicted, of “serious” new crimes. The ruling did not define the “serious” crimes.

Supreme Court to say if police can collect DNA sample

June 3, 2013 | by Aretsky Law Group

When should you be required to provide a DNA sample?

Should you be required to give a DNA sample if you’re arrested for punching someone? Current New Jersey law requires people arrested for certain violent crimes to submit a DNA sample, but an upcoming Supreme Court decision could cause that law to be suspended or expanded.

The Supreme Court is weighing a case that tests the Constitutionality of police gathering DNA evidence from crime suspects.