October 2023 eNewsletter Issue no. 86
Genetic Privacy for Sexual Assault Victims Act
A new law went into effect earlier this year regarding use of the DNA profile of sexual assault victims. Known as the “Genetic Privacy for Sexual Assault Victims Act,” the law is designed to protect victims of sexual assault and to encourage reporting of sex crimes. It accomplishes this by prohibiting law enforcement agencies from retaining and searching DNA profiles obtained from a victims of sexual assault – including “rape kits” – in investigating unrelated crimes. Here is video by attorney Elmira Yousufi outlining SB 1228, what it means, and how it can protect those sexual assault victims from having their DNA used to charge them with future, or previously unsolved, offenses.

As Elmira explains, the issue was highlighted back in 2016, when sexual assault victim’s DNA was used in San Francisco to investigate her possible involvement in an unrelated property crime. This led to San Francisco passing local legislation prohibiting the practice. With the passage of SB 1228, that prohibition is now effective for the entire State of California, as it is codified in Penal Code sections 679.12 and 680.

The new law addresses the fact that it is already difficult for sexual assault survivors to come forward, report a crime, and undergo an invasive “rape kit” examination at the hospital. It is designed to help ensure their privacy, and to encourage actual survivors to report sexual violence.
Awards and Recognition for LOODPS
In addition to always delivering excellence to our criminal defense clients, we pride ourselves on creating an everlasting impact to the San Diego community beyond criminal defense. Here are just a few awards and honors the firm has received in the past month:
 
  • For the 5th straight year, David P. Shapiro was recognized by the San Diego Business Journal as being one of the Top 100 Leaders in Law, recognizing his dedication to advocacy and to the San Diego business community.

  • For the 3rd straight year, Ally Keegan was a Finalist for San Diego Magazine’s Celebrating Women Event. Each year the magazine determines the top three pioneers and top three rising stars in over a dozen categories, including law and legal. The winners will be announced at the live event on November 2. The LOODPS team will be in attendance in support of Ally for this great event!

  • San Diego Business Journal recognized LOODPS in 2023 as the 36th fastest growing private business in all of San Diego County, with a gross revenue growth rate of over 67% from 2020-2022. The Firm was also honored with the same recognition in 2022 for growth from 2019-2021.

  • UB Fast 46. For the 3rd straight year, the firm was recognized as one of the 46 fastest growing businesses owned or led by UB alumni. This year we were #20!
 
We will continue to invest in our clients, our team, and the San Diego community for years to come! 
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San Diego, CA 92103
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This newsletter is for meant for informational and marketing purposes only, and should not be relied on as legal advice. Viewing and/or use of the newsletter, including sending email or submission of forms, does not create or constitute an attorney-client relationship. Any endorsement, testimonial or other statement contained in or referred to in this newsletter is not a guarantee, a warranty or a prediction of a particular result in your case. Our attorneys are active members of the State Bar of California and are admitted to practice law in any and all California state courts and in the Southern District of California federal courts.