Font size: +
1 minute reading time (181 words)

Court OKs 'John Doe' warrants based only on DNA

The Bismarck Tribune

San Francisco, CA

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) - The California Supreme Court has authorized so-called "John Doe" arrest warrants that contain only a DNA profile of an unknown suspect.

Police agencies are increasingly using no-name warrants to get around statute-of-limitation issues. DNA collected from a crime scene is described in the warrant and when a match is made, the suspect can be arrested even decades later.

The state high court on Monday upheld the rape conviction of Paul Robinson, who was arrested a month after the six-year statute of limitations expired on the case. The justices, in a 5-2 decision, said an arrest warrant without Robinson's name but with his DNA profile issued before the expiration is valid.

The court ruled that a DNA profile is specific enough to justify an arrest warrant.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
International Association for Property and Evidence
"Law Enforcement Serving the Needs of Law Enforcement"
www.IAPE.org
×
Stay Informed

When you subscribe to the blog, we will send you an e-mail when there are new updates on the site so you wouldn't miss them.

Mold-covered kit found in Ford Heights evidence ro...

Related Posts

 

Search IAPE

Blotter - Latest News

This login form is for IAPE Staff ONLY!