On June 16, 2009, Gov. Charlie Crist signed a new Florida law that allows police to take a DNA sample, such as a mouth swab, from every individual charged with a felony. The new law will allow the state to add the sample to a state database even if the charge is ultimately dismissed. Under current law, DNA samples can only be taken after a conviction of a felony or specified misdemeanors. The new law will be phased in over the next 10 years. The ACLU may challenge the new law as government expands its intrusions into “the people.”
Thursday, June 18, 2009
New DNA Law Affects Anyone Charged With Felony
On June 16, 2009, Gov. Charlie Crist signed a new Florida law that allows police to take a DNA sample, such as a mouth swab, from every individual charged with a felony. The new law will allow the state to add the sample to a state database even if the charge is ultimately dismissed. Under current law, DNA samples can only be taken after a conviction of a felony or specified misdemeanors. The new law will be phased in over the next 10 years. The ACLU may challenge the new law as government expands its intrusions into “the people.”
