New CO Bill Proposes DNA Testing for 8 Misdemeanor Convictions

A bipartisan bill that is currently making its way through the Colorado legislature may make it mandatory to conduct DNA testing on those who are convicted of eight misdemeanor offenses in the state. Sponsored by Rep. Dan Pabon, D-Denver, and Rep. Polly Lawrence, R-Roxborough Park, this DNA testing bills is specifically proposing to conduct DNA testing on those who are convicted of misdemeanors that include:

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  A Colorado Springs criminal defense attorney discusses a new controversial bill that would make it mandatory to collect/test DNA for certain misdemeanor convictions.

  Child abuse

• Menacing
• Harassment
• Reckless endangerment
• Theft
• 3rd-degree assault
• Criminal mischief
• Violations of protection orders.

Currently, DNA testing is only required of those who have been convicted of felonies, as well as sexual assault.

With this bill, however, the goals, according to the bill’s supporters, would be to nab those who have committed unsolved crimes while exonerating those who have been falsely accused and/or wrongfully convicted. Given that people who are convicted of the above misdemeanor offenses are much more likely to commit more violent crimes, the bill’s supporters contend that passing this DNA testing bill in Colorado could ultimately help better protect the public.

Opposition to the Colorado DNA Testing Bill

While support for this Colorado DNA testing bill seems to be coming from across the aisle, there is still opposition to it, namely from privacy and civil liberties advocates. In fact, among the most prominent opposition to this bill comes from the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), which is specifically taking issue with the ongoing push from law enforcement agencies to collect people’s DNA and personal data and keep them in databases for unspecified periods of time.

Interestingly, another potential point of opposition to this bill that has yet to be noted is its costs. Not much has been disclosed regarding what it will cost to collect, test and maintain records for this group of misdemeanor convicts; however, this may soon become an important point of contention as the bill is more closely reviewed and analyzed by legislators.

As more news about the progress and status of this bill becomes available, we’ll report it to you here in our blog. In the meantime, share your opinions about this bill with us on social media.

Colorado Springs Criminal Defense Attorney at Kohn Law Firm

Have you or a loved one been charged with a misdemeanor or felony offense? If so, a seasoned Colorado Springs criminal defense attorney at Kohn Law Firm is ready to aggressively defend your rights and help you bring your case to a successful resolution.

At Kohn Law Firm, we believe that our clients deserve exceptional service, ethical treatment and aggressive representation. That’s why we are here to help you navigate the complexities of an intricate criminal justice system, minimize the negative impacts on you and your family, and ultimately help you protect your freedom and future.

To learn more about how we can help you, set up a free initial consultation with us by calling us at (719) 328-9555 or by emailing us using the contact form at the top of this page. From our offices in Colorado Springs, we represent clients throughout the Pikes Peak region and Colorado.