New Uses for DNA in Sexual Assault Cases

Prosecutors have begun indicting unknown suspects in rape and sexual assault cases based upon their DNA profiles.  The defendants are indicted as John Doe’s so that they cannot later claim that the statute of limitation on prosecution has run.  Ohio prosecutors have now begun indicting unknown persons based on DNA mixtures obtained as part of sexual assault investigations.  A mixture is a combination of more than one person’s DNA.  This practice has raised concerns, as the DNA mixture necessarily includes the DNA profiles of the victim and possibly innocent sexual partners.

For a good article explaining this, click here.

If you have been arrested and have specific questions about a sexual assault investigation or about the use of DNA in New Hampshire criminal prosecutions, give us a call.