DNA taken as a result of convicted misdemeanors
Eight states have expanded their DNA Database to include broad categories of convicted misdemeanors
New York was the first state to require DNA for misdemeanor convictions.
The successes speak for themselves
Criminals do not specialize
965 petty larceny convictions matched:
- 51 homicides
- 222 sexual assaults
- 117 robberies
- 407 burglaries
This means those found guilty of petty larceny saw their DNA samples match to much more violent and serious crimes, giving law enforcement leads to solve horrific crimes, bring victims justice and prevent future crimes.
90% of State Prisoners are Repeat Offenders
- 89% of New York’s 3547 offenders linked to a sexual assault were in the database because of a NON-SEX crime, such as petty larceny or trespassing.
- Being convicted of a minor, non-sex crime is helping bring violent sexual predators to justice.
On average, New York offenders finally linked to crimes through the DNA database had three prior non-qualifying convictions before they were finally convicted of a crime that required a DNA sample.
Now New York will discover violent criminals sooner—taking them off the streets and preventing further violent crimes.