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FDLE’s DNA Section

In some criminal cases, law enforcement officers collect DNA samples. Those samples might be sent to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement for analysis.

FDLE has used DNA technology for more than twenty years to determine possible crime suspects, exonerate the innocent, and help provide answers for the criminal justice system.

In 2021, FDLE’s Biology & DNA Sections received more than 18,000 requests for testing services. FDLE performs biology screening, STR DNA testing, and Y-STR testing.

FDLE’s technicians and analysts provided lab reports in less than 85 days on average.

Florida’s DNA Investigative Support Database maintains more than 1.5 million profiles from convicted offenders and felony arrestees.

Attorney for DNA Evidence in Florida

The criminal defense attorneys at Sammis Law Firm represent clients charged with crimes throughout the greater Tampa Bay area.

We are familiar with the ways DNA evidence might be used in criminal prosecutions and the legal defenses that might apply.

We also know how to force DNA testing when it might help us get charges dropped, show reasonable doubt in our cases, or even prove our client’s innocence.

Call 813-250-0500 to discuss your case.

Additional Resources

FDLE DNA Database – Visit the FDLE website to learn more about when the FDLE DNA Database receives DNA samples from individuals arrested or convicted for offenses as mandated under Section 943.325, Florida Statutes. The agencies that collect DNA samples from qualifying offenders include the Florida Department of Corrections, the Department of Juvenile Justice, the Sheriff’s Offices, and the authorities at county correctional facilities. According to FDLE, the Florida DNA Database averages over 4,500 DNA hits to unsolved crimes per year.

Florida Administrative Code 11D-6 – Visit the website for the Florida Administrative Code to find out more about FACC 11D-6 which provides definitions and procedures for DNA sample collection.

This article was last updated on Tuesday, January 26, 2023.

 

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Legal Defenses

Case Results

Not Guilty Verdict

Improper Exhibition of a Firearm
Our client was charged with Improper Exhibition of a Firearm. We took this case to jury trial and successfully held the State of Florida to its burden when the jury returned a Not Guilty Verdict in favor of our client .
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No Filed

False Imprisonment and Domestic Violence Battery
The Assistant State Attorney filed a “letter of release” to drop the charges for False Imprisonment and Domestic Violence Battery. As a result, the charges were “no-filed.” Prior to that decision, we were able to talk with the alleged victim and provide exculpatory evidence... read more »

Not Guilty Verdict

Lewd and Lascivious Molestation
The jury returned a “NOT GUILTY” verdict on the charge of Lewd and Lascivious Molestation. The charge was pending before the Honorable Susan L. Barthle in Dade City, FL. That version of Lewd and Lascivious Molestation is punishable by life in prison with a... read more »

Not Guilty Verdict

Felony Battery
The jury returned a “NOT GUILTY” jury verdict in Polk County at the courthouse in Bartow, FL. The defense involved extensive impeachment of the State’s only witness in addition to Justifiable Use of Nondeadly Force and Stand Your Ground in a Felony Battery case.

Dismissed

Sexual Violence Injunction
Our firm won a hearing on a sexual violence injunction in Division G in Hillsborough County. The court dismissed the injunction finding there was no competent substantial evidence to award an injunction. The Petitioner failed to present substantial evidence of any sexual violence committed... read more »

*The case results discussed here do not necssarily reflect the potential outcomes of other cases. The facts and circumstances of each case are unique and must be evaluated and handled on their own merit.

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Jason D. Sammis
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