Rule 37.40 Information - Unavailability of Original

Sometimes the original document that starts a case (called an information) gets lost, damaged, or is otherwise not available. This rule says the court doesn't have to stop the case just because the original is missing.

Instead, someone can use a copy of the document as long as it's certified by the court clerk or the prosecutor. Certifying it means that person confirms the copy is accurate and matches the original. This copy can then be used in place of the original for the case to move forward.

This rule keeps small cases, like traffic tickets or city code violations, from getting stuck or dismissed over paperwork problems that aren't really about the facts of the case.