FINGERPRINTS Model Jury charge NJ Criminal cases

FINGERPRINTS  Model Jury charge NJ Criminal cases

      There was testimony that the (law enforcement agency) had fingerprints of the defendant on file.  You are not to consider that fact as prejudicing the defendant in any way.  That fact is not evidence that the defendant has ever been convicted, or even arrested for any crime, and is not to be considered as such by you.

            The fact that the (law enforcement agency) is in possession of a person's fingerprints does not mean that the person has a criminal record.  Fingerprints come into the hands of law enforcement agencies from many legitimate sources.  These include, but are not limited to:  birth certificates, grade school child identification programs, military service, many forms of employment, including municipal, county, state and federal jobs, casino license applications, private security guard applications, firearms and liquor license applications, passport applications, as well as other sources totally unconnected with criminal activity.