Legal Question in Civil Rights Law in New York

I'm being asked to come in for DNA samples regarding a robbery in my bldg.

The neighbor below my girlfriends apartment was robbed. I had discovered his damaged door and called the police.

Now I am being asked to come in so they can take a DNA sample.

They stated they found DNA from the crooks and want to match it with mine.

What rights do I have?

Can I refuse?

Is it a good idea to have a lawyer present?

If so, can they appoint me one cause I'm unemployed?

When my DNA does not match, do I have the right to get back all documentation, records and samples, that were produced regarding this proceedure.

Thank you.


Asked on 5/19/06, 8:26 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Stephen Loeb Law Office of Stephen R. Loeb

Re: I'm being asked to come in for DNA samples regarding a robbery in my bldg.

1) You can refuse but if you do you will not be eliminated as a suspect. 2) It is a good idea to have a lawyer present, but until such point that you are arrested you do not have a right to a court appointed lawyer and if you opt to have legal representation you will likely need to procure private counsel.

Should you like to discuss this or any other legal matter, you can e-mail me for more information about low cost face-to-face, on-line, or a telephone consultation with a lawyer in our office.

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Answered on 5/22/06, 12:26 pm


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