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Attorney General DeWine Applauds New DNA Law

5/15/2012

(COLUMBUS, Ohio) – Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine today applauded the passing of Senate Bill 268, which was signed into law today by Ohio Governor John Kasich.  The law gives investigators expanded ability to collect DNA from a person who authorities have probable cause to believe committed a felony crime.

“The new law will help expand our DNA database and ultimately lead to identifying suspects in many criminal investigations,” said Attorney General DeWine.  “This will help law enforcement get justice for crime victims and get violent criminals off the streets.”

Senate Bill 268 closes several gaps left open by Senate Bill 77, which went into effect last year.  Senate Bill 77 allowed for DNA collection only from those who had been arrested for a felony crime.  The new law now allows specimen collection from anyone who is indicted by a grand jury or summoned into court on felony charges.

The new law also protects those who are required to give a DNA sample, but are later found not guilty of the suspected crime.  If a jury returns a not guilty verdict, or if the case is dismissed, the case record and all DNA profiles can be sealed.

The new law goes into effect in 90 days.

Media Contacts:

Dan Tierney: 614-466-3840
Jill Del Greco: 614-466-3840

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