Oakland, CA asked in Family Law, Health Care Law and Civil Rights for California

Q: Can a relative(mom in law) get a dna test & use it on my child without her parents or the childs consent?(stolen dna)

This happened to a random woman on facebook that I do not know. I'm not even sure which state she is in. I'm just curious if there would be any precedent or law in any state/s that would label this as criminal activity? Or would this be something that in most states you could just do? I'm assuming kid was at MIL's house and MIL used her toothbrush or soda can spit or something and then compared it to her own in a DNA test but I don't actually know.

1 Lawyer Answer
James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
Answered
  • Estate Planning Lawyer
  • Sacramento, CA
  • Licensed in California

A: In California, unauthorized DNA testing without informed consent could be considered an invasion of privacy under the state's civil laws. Depending on the circumstances, taking someone's DNA without permission may also be subject to criminal penalties for theft or fraud. Anyone concerned about unauthorized DNA collection should consult with an attorney for advice tailored to their specific situation.

1 user found this answer helpful

Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.

The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.

Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.