{"id":352264,"date":"2023-12-07T11:51:36","date_gmt":"2023-12-07T16:51:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/criminal\/criminal-procedure\/dna-as-an-exoneration-tool.html"},"modified":"2023-12-07T11:51:36","modified_gmt":"2023-12-07T16:51:36","slug":"dna-as-an-exoneration-tool","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/criminal\/criminal-procedure\/dna-as-an-exoneration-tool.html","title":{"rendered":"DNA as an Exoneration Tool"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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DNA as an Exoneration Tool<\/h1>\n
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\n By Samuel Strom, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Melissa Bender, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

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Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n

DNA exoneration is the process where DNA testing clears someone who was wrongfully convicted of a crime. By raising new forensic evidence, the person can challenge a conviction. In some cases, the court may rule them innocent and release them from jail.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Courts have used forensic evidence<\/a> to exonerate innocent people both before a trial and post-conviction. Advances in DNA technology have allowed courts to exonerate wrongfully convicted people on death row and correct miscarriages of justice.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

This article describes how the criminal justice system uses DNA evidence<\/a> in criminal cases<\/a>. It describes post-conviction<\/a> DNA testing and DNA exoneration cases. These cases typically involve forensic scientists conducting a DNA analysis of DNA samples in law enforcement’s databases.<\/p>\r\n

Sometimes, the test results clear convicted felons of their convictions. If you believe new DNA evidence could change a case, talk to a criminal defense attorney<\/a> about the likelihood of success and the next steps.<\/p>\r\n

How Can DNA Exonerate Prisoners?<\/h2>\r\n

Law enforcement agencies often keep physical evidence from crimes for many years. Biological evidence, such as blood, hair, or skin, contains DNA. Forensic laboratories can test these samples and use them in one of three ways:<\/p>\r\n