Motion to Compel Fingerprints and Palm Prints
In criminal cases, the state or defense might file a motion to compel fingerprints or palm prints of a person accused of a crime, a co-defendant, co-conspirator, or a witness to the alleged crime. The prosecutor often files these motions to match up other fingerprints gathered at the crime scene or for comparison with certified convictions.
The motion might provide:
MOTION TO COMPEL FINGERPRINTS AND PALM PRINTS
COMES NOW, the State of Florida, by and through the undersigned Assistant State Attorney, and moves this Honorable Court to Order the above-named Defendant to submit to the
taking of fingerprint and palm print samples pursuant to Florida Rule of Criminal Procedure 3.220(c)(1)(C), and as grounds for this motion would show unto the Court:
- The Defendant was arrested on [date]. An Information charging the Defendant with [type of crime that requires proof of a prior conviction] was filed on [date].
- Fingerprint and palm print samples of this Defendant are necessary for comparison with certified convictions in the above referenced case.
- The taking of fingerprint and palm print samples will cause no harm or intrusion to this Defendant.
WHEREFORE the State respectfully request this Court grant its Motion and Order the above-named Defendant to submit to the taking of fingerprints and palm prints.
I HEREBY CERTIFY that a copy of the above has been furnished to [the criminal defense attorney].
ORDER TO COMPEL FINGERPRINTS AND PALM PRINTS
THIS CAUSE having come before the Court on the Motion of the State of Florida to Compel fingerprint and palm print samples of _____; the Court having heard argument of counsel, and being fully advised in the premises, it is hereby:
ORDERED AND ADJUDGED that ____ shall submit to the taking of fingerprint and palm print samples by the ____ COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE. No questioning of the Defendant will take place during the sampling. The Attorney for the Defendant can be present.
If the Defendant’s fingerprint and palm print samples are not obtained in open court, he shall appear at the ____ County Sheriff’s Office, [[address]], during normal business hours, but not later than 2:00 p.m., on the Thursday immediately following the hearing and permit his fingerprint and palm print samples to be taken. Failure to appear may subject the Defendant to contempt of court and may result in a revocation of pretrial release, and/or bond.
If ______ is in custody at the _____ County Jail, the investigating law enforcement agency shall collect his fingerprint and palm print samples on the Thursday immediately following the hearing at the ____ County Jail, located at ________, beginning at 10:00 a.m.
DONE AND ORDERED at _____ County, Florida, this the _____ day of September, 2026.