District Of Columbia § 23-584 - Field arrest and release on citation.
Full text of District Of Columbia D.C. Code § 23-584 — Field arrest and release on citation., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 23-584. Field arrest and release on citation.
23-584In lieu of taking a person into custody, a law enforcement officer may issue a field arrest form to a person whom he or she has arrested without a warrant if the person:
Is eligible for release on citation pursuant to subsection (b)(2) of this section; and
Is charged with committing a misdemeanor prosecuted by the Office of the Attorney General for the District of Columbia and designated by the Chief of Police as being eligible for a field arrest.
A releasing official shall determine whether a person taken into custody or appearing at a law enforcement agency following the issuance of a field arrest form is eligible:
For release on citation pursuant to paragraph (2) of this subsection; and
To use the post-and-forfeit procedure pursuant to .
A releasing official may authorize a release on citation to a person arrested without a warrant unless:
There is reason to believe that the person may cause injury to him or herself or any other person, may cause damage to property, or will not appear in court to answer the charge; or
The person is:
Charged with a dangerous crime, as defined in , or a crime of violence, as defined in ;
Subject to detention before trial pursuant to or ;
Charged with a felony offense;
Charged with a misdemeanor offense that is not designated as eligible for release on citation by the responsible prosecuting authority;
Charged with intimate partner violence, as defined in , or intrafamily violence, as defined in ;
Charged with an interpersonal violence offense, as defined in , when the criminal offense committed or threatened to be committed is violent;
Cannot reliably be identified or inaccurately reports information concerning his or her name or other identifying information;
At the time of arrest, in violation of a court order;
At the time of arrest, in violation of a condition of release on citation issued pursuant to subsection (d)(1) of this section; or
Has not cooperated in the booking process.
A releasing official may authorize a release on citation to a person who is not otherwise eligible for release under subsection (b)(2) of this section if the release is approved by the prosecutor and:
The Chief Judge of the Superior Court of the District of Columbia has declared that an event or condition significantly impairs the functioning of the Superior Court of the District of Columbia;
A person has been admitted to a hospital during the course of the arrest processing; or
Court is not in session and there is reason to believe that the person should not be held in custody pending his or her first appearance before a judicial officer.
A releasing official of the rank of sergeant or above may, as a condition of a release on citation, direct a person to stay away from a particular place and to stay away from and have no contact with a victim of or witness to the cited offense until the person’s appearance before a judicial officer.
A releasing official shall not release a person if the person refuses to agree to abide by one or more conditions of release on citation issued pursuant to paragraph (1) of this subsection.
Nothing in this section shall be construed to create a private right of action or give rise to any rights enforceable by injunction, mandamus, or otherwise.
Annotations
Source: official District Of Columbia text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About District Of Columbia § 23-584
What does D.C. Code § 23-584 cover?
Section 23-584 ("Field arrest and release on citation.") is part of the D.C. Code, the codified statutory law of District Of Columbia. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite District Of Columbia § 23-584?
A common citation format is "D.C. Code § 23-584" (District Of Columbia). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of District Of Columbia law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the District Of Columbia official source linked on this page or consult a licensed District Of Columbia attorney.
How does District Of Columbia § 23-584 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in District Of Columbia can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in District Of Columbia.