Section 2-511 - Expungement of DNA information [Amendment subject to abrogation]. - Maryland Statutes

§ 2-511. Expungement of DNA information [Amendment subject to abrogation].
 

(a)  Conditions; exception.-  

(1) Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, any DNA samples and records generated as part of a criminal investigation or prosecution shall be destroyed or expunged automatically from the State DNA data base if: 

(i) a criminal action begun against the individual relating to the crime does not result in a conviction of the individual; 

(ii) the conviction is finally reversed or vacated and no new trial is permitted; or 

(iii) the individual is granted an unconditional pardon. 

(2) A DNA sample or DNA record may not be destroyed or expunged automatically from the State DNA data base if the criminal action is put on the stet docket or the individual receives probation before judgment. 

(b)  Case in which eligibility for expungement was established.- If the DNA sample or DNA record was obtained or generated only in connection with a case in which eligibility for expungement has been established, the DNA sample shall be destroyed and the DNA record shall be expunged. 

(c)  Expungement from all local, State, and federal data bases.- Any DNA record expunged in accordance with this section shall be expunged from every data base into which it has been entered, including local, State, and federal data bases. 

(d)  Period for expungement or destruction.- An expungement or destruction of sample under this section shall occur within 60 days of an event listed in subsection (a) of this section. 

(e)  Documenting letter.- A letter documenting expungement of the DNA record and destruction of the DNA sample shall be sent by the Director to the defendant and the defendant's attorney at the address specified by the court in the order of expungement. 

(f)  Use or admissiblity of qualifying record or sample.- A record or sample that qualifies for expungement or destruction under this section and is matched concurrent with or subsequent to the date of qualification for expungement: 

(1) may not be utilized for a determination of probable cause regardless of whether it is expunged or destroyed timely; and 

(2) is not admissible in any proceeding for any purpose. 

(g)  Procedures.- The Director shall adopt procedures to comply with this section. 
 

[An. Code 1957, art. 88B, § 12A(o); 2003, ch. 5, § 2; 2008, ch. 337.]