The quick answer is that lawyers are not supposed to lie, but they canât necessarily prevent their clients from lying. Iâll get to the details in a minute â honestly--but first Iâm happy to tell you that the podcast version of this article is brought to you by Go To Meeting.
Fingerprints on paper, cardboard and unfinished wood can last for up to forty years (per actual casework histories) unless exposed to water (and contaminate transfer prints can even then sometimes persist).
Where an individual is arrested for, but not charged with, a qualifying offence, their DNA profile and fingerprint record will normally be deleted. However, the police can apply to the Biometrics Commissioner for permission to retain their DNA profile and fingerprint record for a period of up to 3 years. The application must be made within 28 days of the police decision not to proceed with a prosecution.