Opinion ID: 2317480
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Alternatives to Expungement

Text: Consistent with previous decisions discussed, it is clear that some power is vested in the trial court to issue an order respecting the content and dissemination of arrest records. Since the trial court ruled that it lacked power to afford the relief sought in [these] Motion[s] for Expungement, we conclude it erred to the extent that it denied relief short of outright destruction. Accordingly, the orders are reversed and the cases remanded for further proceedings. In so doing, it is deemed appropriate to set forth some guidelines as to the nature and scope of available relief relating to arrest records as well as the standard for entitlement thereto. Appellants, in their brief, make repeated reference to the fact that they have been exonerated of wrongdoing. It is on this predicate that they base their claims. However, the standard under Irani v. District of Columbia, supra , is not merely a showing of being disburdened, discharged, or freed from a charge. [12] The basis in Irani for holding that the appellant was entitled to some relief was that there was an uncontroverted, and thus successful, affirmative demonstration negating culpability. In other words, Irani affirmatively established that he was mistakenly arrested. This standard  not mere exoneration  is the criterion which must be met to entitle an arrested person to an order regarding the content and dissemination of his arrest record. This court has previously held that the so-called Duncan Report rules [13] reasonably and adequately protect citizens against misuse of arrest records. In re Alexander, supra . The facts underlying the arrest record in that case revealed that the criminal charges were dismissed on the sole ground that the charges were brought by the wrong prosecutive authority. In light of this and because there was no factual basis for considering whether an explanatory entry should be made on the arrest record, this court did not have to consider that possible course. Irani makes it clear, however, that when mistaken arrest of a nonculpable citizen occurs the court must consider some form of a protective order in addition to the guarantees available under the Duncan Report rules. It is the conclusion of this court that in cases where the arrested person affirmatively demonstrates nonculpability, the police records of that arrest, including all forms and copies thereof, just like the court records, should be made to reflect that fact. This holding is consistent with and only a slight expansion (through the exercise of ancillary equity power) of the statutory duty of the police to make note in the central criminal records of the disposition of the case pursuant to section 4-134(a) (2), (3) and (4) supra. As to dissemination of such records, the order should also require that the fact of such determination be sent to any recipient, the object of such procedure being to insure that with whatever information is kept about the arrest there will also be included as an integral part of such record the fact that no culpability existed. This conclusion balances both public and private interests. To the extent that considerations of invasion of privacy, due process or equal protection affect private interest, [14] we have held in In re Alexander, supra , and reaffirm here that the regulations on dissemination (the Duncan Report, supra ) presently in force are adequate. A specific entry declaring lack of culpability will eliminate harmful classification of those persons by effectively distinguishing them from others with sufficient clarity and thoroughness that no one need fear substantial adverse consequences from the retention of the record. As previously observed, the order on review was entered without prejudice to appellants showing, on a renewed motion aimed at lesser relief, (1) the facts surrounding the arrest and (2) the reasons for the disposition by the prosecutor. As to the former, we assume the trial judge was seeking a showing of the kind made in Irani and required here. To that extent the order under review was proper. However, it is quite another matter to require appellants to show why the prosecutor made the decision arrived at. The scope of the inquiry is whether there was nonculpability or mistaken arrest. It is not appropriate for a court in this or other contexts to inquire into the exercise of prosecutorial discretion. United States v. Jefferson, D.C.App., 257 A.2d 225 (1969); United States v. Shaw, D.C.App., 226 A.2d 366 (1967). See contra, Henderson v. United States, 121 U.S.App.D.C. 277, 349 F.2d 712 (1965) (dissenting opinion); Hutcherson v. United States, 120 U.S. App.D.C. 274, 345 F.2d 964 (1965) (Bazelon, C. J., concurring in part & dissenting in part). Accordingly, on remand those appellants who desire to pursue their cases further need only make such explanatory showing of nonculpability, by affidavit or otherwise, as in their view the facts warrant. Should such showing on a motion for amplification of arrest record be uncontroverted an order as outlined above should be entered on court records and on all law enforcement records reflecting the fact of arrest. Of course, should there be a dispute of fact, a hearing will be required [15] for resolution thereof by a preponderance, not reasonable doubt, standard. We hasten to add for future cases that a motion for amplification of arrest record made prior to disposition of criminal charges would be premature and should not be entertained.