1987 was the first time dna was first used to CONVICT someone. It was deemed use-able as evidence in 1985.
When Was DNA First Used In Our Criminal Court System?
1987 was the first year that DNA evidence was used to convict someone in the US.
If you would like a run down on the history of forensic science, you can go here.
If you would like a run down on the history of forensic science, you can go here.