A new law that went into effect today. A DNA sample buffet of anyone charged with a felony in Florida.
From The News Herald:
The new law, which went into effect today, will require anyone arrested on a felony charge submit a DNA sample to be added to a state database. Previously, DNA samples were taken only from those convicted of felonies.
“This is common sense and the right thing to do,” said Crist, flanked by uniformed state troopers at the June 17 bill signing.
Under the new law, however, thousands of people who are arrested on felony charges but later have those charges dropped or reduced could have their DNA swept into the statewide offender database.
So, is this to say that folks that are innocent can find their DNA in this database as well? Seems a touch sketchy on the surface. Of the people charged with a felony in 2008, 26 percent had their charges reduced, dismissed or were found innocent.
Can the innocent have a say?
“People can get their DNA purged from it if they have their charges dropped or are found innocent, stuff like that,” said Rep. Marti Coley, R – Marianna.
Strickland said the removal process is flawed.
“The process does not occur automatically,” she said. “We advocated for an automatic expungement program, and it failed.”
This has all the hallmarks of an absolutely horrid piece of…legislation.