Maryland Law Enforcement Agencies Still Collecting DNA Samples

Police around Maryland said Wednesday that they would continue to collect DNA samples when suspects are arrested for violent crimes and burglaries, despite a recent ruling by the state's top court limiting the practice.

Several law enforcement agencies, including the state Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services, were awaiting a decision on whether the state will appeal before they make changes. Gov. Martin O'Malley, Baltimore's mayor and a chorus of state and local officials called for an appeal of what they see as a crucial tool that has linked suspects to other, unsolved crimes.

Opponents of the practice said the decision to continue taking samples shows disregard for the Court of Appeals and the laws the police are sworn to uphold.

Baltimore-based criminal defense lawyer Ivan Bates said he believes any DNA collected following the court's decision will be thrown out in future cases because it was illegally obtained.

"I think the U.S. Supreme Court would rule in a similar fashion," Bates said. "You have to have a warrant, point blank, end of discussion. Before you take my DNA...