On October 17, 2007, MAIP's Executive Director made a presentation to Virginia's Forensic Science Board, asking the Board to endorse a change to Virginia's post-conviction DNA testing statute that would allow prisoners to obtain types of DNA testing not performed by the state lab.  Specifically, MAIP urges the adoption of Y-STR testing, a form of DNA testing that can get results with smaller amounts of genetic material, and with material that was once believed to be too degraded even to test.  It is also useful for obtaining results where a small amount of male DNA might otherwise be masked by a large amount of female DNA in a sample.  The change would have an enormous impact on many of MAIP's prospective clients.  It is particularly crucial now, as Virginia undergoes the DNA re-testing program ordered by Governor Warner. 

Ms. Armbrust's presentation was covered by the Richmond Times-Dispatch and the Free Lance-Star.  To read their articles, click here and here.   To read about Virginia's re-testing program, click here.