- 01 Introduction
- 02 Biology of DNA
- 03 Practical Issues Specific to DNA Evidence
- 04 Introduction to the Forensic DNA Laboratory
- 05 Assuring Quality in DNA Testing
- 06 Understanding a Forensic DNA Lab Report
- 07 Statistics and Population Genetics
- 08 Mitochondrial DNA & Y-STR Analysis
- 09 Forensic DNA Databases
- 10 Collection of DNA Evidence from Suspects and Arrestees
- 11 Pretrial DNA Evidence Issues
- 12 Victim Issues
- 13 Trial Presentation
- 14 Postconviction DNA Cases
- 15 Emerging Trends
Principles of Forensic DNA
for Officers of the Court
for Officers of the Court
Module 12 :: Victim Issues
Topic 1 :: DNA Evidence
If Property Is Taken, Will It Be Returned and in What Condition?
Personal property may be needed because biological material from the perpetrator might be present on those items. Because DNA profiles may be obtained from items of evidence that are decades old, law enforcement may retain unanalyzed evidence indefinitely. Items of evidence that have been analyzed for DNA will generally only be returned once the court process is final.
State laws may require that the victim's property be returned.
