DNA evidence leads to criminal charges for South Carolina man

On behalf of Anderson Law Firm posted in Theft And Property Crimes on Tuesday, April 3, 2012

The Florence County, South Carolina's Sherriff's Office alleges that blood evidence led them to arrest a man they believe broke into a Florence business two years earlier. Criminal charges have been brought against the man for burglary, a second degree felony in South Carolina that carries a penalty of up to 15 years in prison.

When one faces charges for property crimes, the stakes are high. Whether a misdemeanor or a felony, the punishments can be severe, with the possibility for long prison sentences and large fines.

Investigators and forensic units are working together to solve these types of cases and one way that police are finding their suspects is through DNA evidence. Typically, if blood or saliva is collected at the crime scene it is run through a database containing the DNA of known individuals. If there is a match, police assume that individual was involved in the crime. However, such tactics can be challenged. Just because someone's blood or saliva is in a location does not mean that person committed the offense. Evidence like this can lead to convictions for simply being at the wrong place at the wrong time.

Burglary -- the breaking and entering into a structure for the purpose of committing a crime - is one of the most common property crimes. Though many assume that burglary involves theft, this is not necessary to prove the offense. Intent to commit any crime is enough. A strong defense should force the prosecution to prove all elements beyond a reasonable doubt to ensure that only those absolutely known to have committed a crime will pay the price.

Source: SCnow.com, "Blood evidence key to solving 2010 Florence burglary," March 21, 2012

Tags: Theft/property crime, criminal defense, misdemeanors

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