Georgia § 35-3-165 - Expungement of DNA profile in data bank; requirements.

Full text of Georgia Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 35-3-165 — Expungement of DNA profile in data bank; requirements., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 35-3-165. Expungement of DNA profile in data bank; requirements.

The bureau shall purge all records and identifiable information in the data bank pertaining to the DNA profile of the individual and shall destroy all such DNA samples collected from such individual within 30 days of the receipt of a certified copy of the applicable: Court order reversing the conviction together with a court order or documentation from the prosecuting attorney stating that the charges were dismissed; Judgment of acquittal; Sentencing order showing that all of the felony charges were reduced to misdemeanors; or Court order showing the successful completion of the sentence that was imposed pursuant to Article 3 of Chapter 8 of Title 42 or pursuant to subsection (a) or (c) of Code Section 16-13-2. A DNA sample obtained in good faith shall be deemed to have been obtained in accordance with the requirements of this article and its use in accordance with this article shall be authorized until it is expunged as set forth in subsection (a) of this Code section. (Code 1981, § 35-3-165 , enacted by Ga. L. 2011, p. 264, § 3-1/SB 80; Ga. L. 2019, p. 299, § 3/HB 470.) The 2019 amendment, effective April 28, 2019, substituted the present provisions of subsection (a) for the former provisions, which read: "A person whose DNA profile has been included in the data bank pursuant to this article may request that it be expunged on the grounds that the conviction on which the authority for including his or her DNA profile was based has been reversed and the case dismissed. The bureau shall purge all records and identifiable information in the data bank pertaining to the person and destroy all samples from the person upon receipt of a written request that such data be expunged, pursuant to this Code section, and a certified copy of the court order reversing and dismissing the conviction."; and substituted "shall be authorized until it is expunged as set forth in subsection (a) of this Code section" for "is authorized until a court order directing expungement is obtained and submitted to the bureau" in the middle of subsection (b).

Source: official Georgia text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Georgia § 35-3-165

What does Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 35-3-165 cover?

Section 35-3-165 ("Expungement of DNA profile in data bank; requirements.") 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 § 35-3-165?

A common citation format is "Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 35-3-165" (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 § 35-3-165 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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