§844D-72 Destruction of samples and expungement of searchable DNA database profile. (a) Except as provided below, the department shall destroy the sample and expunge the searchable DNA database profile pertaining to the person who has no present or past qualifying offense of record upon receipt of a court order that verifies the applicant has made the necessary showing at a noticed hearing, and that includes all of the following:

(1) The written request for expungement pursuant to section 844D-71;

(2) A certified copy of the court order reversing and dismissing the conviction or case, or a letter from the prosecuting attorney certifying that the underlying conviction has been reversed and the case dismissed;

(3) A finding that written notice has been provided to the prosecuting attorney and the department of the request for expungement; and

(4) A court order verifying that no retrial or appeal of the case is pending, that it has been at least one hundred eighty days since the defendant or minor has notified the prosecuting attorney and the department of the expungement request, and that the court has not received an objection from the department or the prosecuting attorney.

(b) Upon receipt of the order of the court pursuant to subsection (a), the department shall destroy any specimen or sample collected from the person and any searchable DNA database profile pertaining to the person, unless the department determines that the person is subject to the provisions of this chapter because of a past qualifying offense of record or is, or has otherwise become, obligated to submit a blood specimen or buccal swab as a result of a separate conviction, or finding of guilty or not guilty by reason of insanity for an offense described in section 844D-31, or as a condition of a plea.

(c) The department is not required to destroy an autoradiograph or other item obtained from a blood specimen if evidence relating to another person subject to the provisions of this chapter would thereby be destroyed.

(d) Any identification, warrant, probable cause to arrest, or arrest based upon a data bank match shall not be invalidated due to a failure to expunge or a delay in expunging records.

(e) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the designated entity is not required to expunge DNA profile or forensic identification information or destroy or return specimens, samples, or print impressions taken pursuant to this section based on a termination of a person's duty to register pursuant to chapter 846E. [L 2005, c 112, pt of §1]