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DNA - A Prosecutor’s Practice Notebook Inventory

Methods to Preserve Jurisdiction

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Introduction

Many law enforcement agencies and crime labs are now able to review unsolved, non-suspect, or cold cases through the use of new technologies. One issue frequently encountered in cold cases is whether a case can still be brought forward for prosecution. Although statutes differ from jurisdiction to jurisdiction, one legal requirement is clear: a criminal complaint or arrest warrant identifying the perpetrator must be issued or filed before the particular crime's statute of limitation runs out or expires.

In this topic you will learn about methods for preserving jurisdiction, to include:

  • Cold cases
  • Statute of limitations
  • John Doe warrants

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