A considerable amount of research has examined the genetic correlates to a wide array of antisocial behaviors. The results culled from this line of research have revealed that genes of the dopaminergic system are associated with criminal and delinquent involvement. Whether these associations would be detected with samples of various racial/ethnic origins remains to be determined. The current study addresses this gap in the literature by examining the association between genetic risk (as measured by dopaminergic genes) and contact with the criminal justice system in a sample of Hispanics. Analyses of data drawn from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health revealed that genetic risk was related to the odds of being arrested, being sentenced to probation, being incarcerated, and being arrested multiple times. Limitations of the study are discussed and avenues for future research are explored.
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