If you get arrested in Washington, DC, and the court tells you that your case has been “no papered,” you should consider yourself very lucky. That simply means that the government has declined to file charges against you despite your arrest. Criminal defense lawyers in Washington, DC have no control whatsoever on this process.
The “papering” prosecutor may make this decision for any number of reasons: improper paperwork, clear violations of constitutional rights, or a lack of evidence to prove the case beyond a reasonable doubt. If your case gets “no papered,” you should be happy you do not have to face criminal charges. However, if you are arrested for DUI, there is almost no chance that the Office of the Attorney General will “no paper” your case.
If you are arrested in Washington, DC, you should consult with a criminal defense lawyer to ensure that your constitutional rights are protected. Many people are released from the police station with a Citation to Appear in Court. You should consult with a lawyer before that date.
If you are lucky and your case is “no papered,” a lawyer can advise you on how to get your arrest record expunged. Otherwise, even without formal charges, the arrest will still show up on background checks.
If you are arrested for a criminal charge in Washington, DC, contact Scrofano Law PC for a full consultation and case evaluation.