What Is a Familial DNA Search?
A familial DNA search is a search by law enforcement in DNA databases for genetic information indicating a relative of a person they seek to identify. When a search for an exact match to a DNA sample comes up fruitless, a familial DNA search may bring back a partial match, indicating a sibling, child, parent or other blood relative. For example, DNA from a crime scene might not match any DNA in state or federal databases, but if the person's son had been recently incarcerated and thus his information entered into a state DNA database, a familial DNA search could lead police to the son, and ultimately to their suspect.
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Gender and Familial DNA Searches
Current forms of familial DNA searches work only with men. This is because techniques in common use to determine exact familial relations involve analysis of similarities on the Y chromosome. Familial DNA searches as we know them today do not identify exact relatives of a female DNA sample, or female relatives of a male DNA sample.
Familial DNA Searches and Privacy Concerns
While law enforcement may see familial DNA searches as a powerful new tool to track down suspected criminals, civil liberties advocates have criticized familial DNA searches as an invasion of privacy. They argue that familial DNA searching encroaches on the privacy of the relatives of those whose DNA has been collected through the penal system, in violation of the Fourth Amendment's protection against unreasonable searches.
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Conclusion
A familial DNA search is a search of DNA databases for relatives of a given DNA sample. Partial DNA matches from familial searches can provide likely identification of siblings, parents, children and other blood relatives. Current familial DNA searches only identify male relatives of male DNA samples. A small, but increasing number of states officially allow familial DNA searches. The states which use familial searches differ in when they allow such searches. Some states allow traditional DNA searches (for a full match) to include partial match information in reported results, when an explicit familial search has not been requested.
Free Criminal Case Review
Familial DNA searches are one way for investigators to discover new evidence in a case. If you're facing criminal charges based on a familial DNA search or if you object to the providing DNA to authorities, a skilled criminal defense attorney can advise you of your options and ensure that your rights are protected. Contact a local attorney today for a free case review.
Source: Familial DNA Searches