Virginia law § 19.2-270.4:1 requires courts to order the storage, preservation, and retention of specific human biological evidence in felony cases for up to 15 years after conviction, with possible extensions. The law details the process for motions, evidence transfer to the Department of Forensic Science, and provisions for modifying storage periods. This ensures the availability of biological evidence for future testing or legal needs.
The evidence must be stored for up to 15 years from the date of conviction, unless the court decides to extend the period.
Yes, upon filing a motion, the defendant can request a hearing to identify the evidence to be stored.
The Department of Forensic Science is responsible for storing, preserving, and retaining the evidence after it is transferred by the court.
Yes, the court may modify the original storage order for a longer or shorter period upon motion or good cause shown.