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<law><site_title>Virginia Decoded</site_title><site_url>https://vacode.org</site_url><law_id>73612</law_id><section_number>19.2-270.5</section_number><catch_line>DNA profile admissible in criminal proceeding</catch_line><edition url="https://vacode.org/2025/" slug="2025" current="TRUE" last_updated="">2025</edition><structure><unit label="title" level="1" order_by="1" identifier="19.2">Criminal Procedure</unit><unit label="chapter" level="2" order_by="1" identifier="16">Evidence and Witnesses</unit><unit label="article" level="3" order_by="1" identifier="1">In General</unit></structure><text>
						<section><p>In any criminal proceeding, DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) testing shall be deemed to be a reliable scientific technique and the <span class="dictionary">evidence</span> of a DNA profile comparison may be admitted to prove or disprove the identity of any person. This section shall not otherwise limit the introduction of any relevant <span class="dictionary">evidence</span> bearing upon any question at <span class="dictionary">issue</span> before the <span class="dictionary">court</span>, including the accuracy and reliability of the procedures employed in the collection and analysis of a particular DNA sample. The <span class="dictionary">court</span> shall, regardless of the results of the DNA analysis, if any, consider such other relevant <span class="dictionary">evidence</span> of the identity of the <span class="dictionary">accused</span> as shall be <span class="dictionary">admissible</span> in <span class="dictionary">evidence</span>.
		At least 21 days prior to commencement of the proceeding in which the results of a DNA analysis will be offered as <span class="dictionary">evidence</span>, the <span class="dictionary">party</span> intending to offer the <span class="dictionary">evidence</span> shall notify the opposing <span class="dictionary">party</span>, in writing, of the <span class="dictionary">intent</span> to offer the analysis and shall provide or make available copies of the report or statement to be introduced. In the event that such notice is not given, and the person proffers such <span class="dictionary">evidence</span>, then the <span class="dictionary">court</span> may in its discretion either allow the opposing <span class="dictionary">party</span> a <span class="dictionary">continuance</span> or, under appropriate circumstances, bar the person from presenting such <span class="dictionary">evidence</span>. The period of any such <span class="dictionary">continuance</span> shall not be counted for <span class="dictionary">speedy trial</span> purposes under &#xA7;&#xA0;<a class="law" title="Limitation on prosecution of felony due to lapse of time after finding of probable cause; misdemeanors; exceptions" href="/19.2-243/">19.2-243</a>. If the opposing <span class="dictionary">party</span> intends to <span class="dictionary">object</span> to the admissibility of such <span class="dictionary">evidence</span> he shall give written notice of that <span class="dictionary">fact</span> and the basis for his objections at least 10 days prior to commencement of the proceedings.
		Nothing in this section shall be construed to limit the ability of the parties to obtain additional writings or documents, including the profiles, used to reach the conclusion in the report pursuant to &#xA7;&#xA0;<a class="law" title="Procedure for subpoena duces tecum of analysis evidence" href="/19.2-187.2/">19.2-187.2</a>, and the opposing <span class="dictionary">party</span> shall be entitled to a <span class="dictionary">continuance</span> of the proceeding if requested to allow for their inspection.</p></section></text><history>1990, c. 669; 1997, c. 315; 2002, cc. 627, 885; 2024, c. 210.</history><metadata></metadata></law>
