Georgia § 17-5-71 - Preservation of evidence.
Full text of Georgia Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 17-5-71 — Preservation of evidence., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 17-5-71. Preservation of evidence.
In cases in which the victim reports an alleged sexual assault to law enforcement, the investigating law enforcement agency shall maintain any physical evidence collected as a result of an alleged sexual assault that contains biological material, including, but not limited to, stains, fluids, or hair samples that relate to the identity of the perpetrator of an alleged sexual assault, for 30 years from the date of arrest, or seven years from completion of sentence, whichever occurs last, and if no arrests, then for 50 years. If the victim does not cooperate with law enforcement in the investigation or prosecution of an alleged sexual assault, the investigating law enforcement agency shall maintain any physical evidence collected as a result of such alleged sexual assault that contains biological material, including, but not limited to, stains, fluids, or hair samples that relate to the identity of the perpetrator of the alleged sexual assault, for not less than 12 months from the date any such physical evidence is collected. (Code 1981, § 17-5-71 , enacted by Ga. L. 2008, p. 486, § 3/HB 1297; Ga. L. 2019, p. 721, § 1/HB 282.) The 2019 amendment, effective July 1, 2019, in subsection (a), substituted "In cases in which the victim reports an alleged sexual assault to law enforcement" for "Except as otherwise provided in subsection (b) of this Code section or Code Section 17-5-55 or 17-5-56, on or after May 12, 2008" at the beginning, and substituted "30 years from the date of arrest, or seven years from completion of sentence, whichever occurs last, and if no arrests, then for 50 years" for "ten years after the report of the alleged sexual assault" at the end. Law reviews. - For article on the 2019 amendment of this Code section, see 36 Ga. St. U.L. Rev. 51 (2019).
Source: official Georgia text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Georgia § 17-5-71
What does Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 17-5-71 cover?
Section 17-5-71 ("Preservation of evidence.") is part of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, the codified statutory law of Georgia. 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 Georgia § 17-5-71?
A common citation format is "Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 17-5-71" (Georgia). 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 Georgia law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Georgia official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Georgia attorney.
How does Georgia § 17-5-71 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Georgia can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
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