Alabama § 36-18-21 - Definitions.

Full text of Alabama Code of Alabama § 36-18-21 — Definitions., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 36-18-21. Definitions.

As used in this article, the following words, phrases or terms shall have the following meanings, respectively unless the context thereof clearly indicates otherwise:

(a) DIRECTOR. Shall mean the Director of the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences.

(b) PERSON. A human being, and where appropriate, a public or private corporation, an unincorporated association, a partnership, a government or a governmental instrumentality.

(c) DNA. Deoxyribonucleic acid.

(d) DNA SAMPLE. Any biological sample containing DNA.

(e) DNA RECORD. An objective form of scientific analysis or tests which contain genetic identification characteristics of DNA samples.

(f) DNA POPULATION FREQUENCY. The frequency of occurrence of a particular DNA trait or fragment in a particular population.

(g) DNA DATABASE. That system established by the Director of the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences for the purposes of collecting, storing and maintaining DNA records.

(h) DNA POPULATION STATISTICAL DATABASE. That system established by the Director of the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences for collecting, storing, and maintaining genetic information relating to DNA population frequencies.

(i) FBI. The Federal Bureau of Investigation.

(j) CODIS. The National DNA Identification Index System established by the FBI.

(k) INCARCERATION FACILITY. Any place of lawful involuntary confinement, partial or total, limited or unlimited, for criminals convicted pursuant to Alabama law, including but not limited to:

1. Prisons, jails or similar facilities.

2. Work release centers, or similar facilities.

3. Farms, ranches, halfway houses or similar facilities.

4. Drug or alcohol abuse treatment facilities.

5. Mental hospitals or other mental health facilities.

6. Parole or probation facilities or similar facilities.

(l) CUSTODIAN. Any person who supervises, directs, or controls, by duty, assignment, appointment, or election any incarceration facility, including but not limited to:

1. The Commissioner of the Alabama Department of Corrections.

2. Any warden or similar officer employed by the State of Alabama or any county or municipality thereof.

3. Any director, supervisor, or similar officer of any work release center, ranch, farm, halfway house or similar facility operated, in whole or in part, or funded, in whole or in part, from state, county, or municipal funds.

4. Any director, supervisor, or similar officer of any drug or alcohol abuse treatment center or similar facility receiving criminals convicted or sentenced thereto pursuant to Alabama law.

5. Sheriffs.

6. Chiefs of police.

7. Probation and parole officers.

Frequently Asked Questions About Alabama § 36-18-21

What does Code of Alabama § 36-18-21 cover?

Section 36-18-21 ("Definitions.") is part of the Code of Alabama, the codified statutory law of Alabama. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Alabama § 36-18-21?

A common citation format is "Code of Alabama § 36-18-21" (Alabama). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Alabama law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Alabama official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Alabama attorney.

How does Alabama § 36-18-21 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Alabama can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Alabama.