On October 9th, the Richmond Times-Dispatch ran an article discussing the Virginia Forensic Science Board's request to the General Assembly for assistance with finding people who were affected by the recent DNA-testing project.

Since the start of Virginia's DNA-testing project, more than 600 persons have been sent letters notifying them that biological material has been found in their case files that may be suitable for DNA testing.

While the letters were sent out in hopes of helping people who may have been wrongly convicted, they have instead caused confusion.  Shawn Armbrust, Executive Director of MAIP, has received letters and phone calls from many of the recipients.  Armbrust reported that many of those who received letters "think someone in the commonwealth of Virginia was trying to lock them up . . . and want to use DNA to do it."

In order to eliminate the confusion, Armbrust and others on FSB suggested using volunteer lawyers to locate and notify the convicted individuals. The proposal was initially voted down, but the FSB is reconsidering this option. At their last meeting the FSB asked the General Assembly to pass legislation that would allow the use of volunteer lawyers, or other means believed more effective than mail.

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