Resolution Options
A criminal case may end in various ways. The following sections address the most common ways that a case may be resolved.
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Potential Dispositions
A disposition refers to the legal status at the end of a case. Potential dispositions include an announcement of no information, acquittal, withhold of adjudication, and adjudication.
No Information
In criminal law, an "announcement of no information" refers to a situation where a prosecutor formally announces that they will not be pursuing criminal charges against an individual or that they are declining to prosecute a particular case. This announcement signifies that, after reviewing the available evidence or conducting an investigation, the prosecutor has determined that there is insufficient evidence or legal grounds to proceed with the prosecution.
Dismissal or Nolle Prosequi
Nolle prosequi (often abbreviated as "nolle prosse") is a Latin legal term that means "to be unwilling to pursue." It refers to a prosecutor's decision to dismiss charges against a defendant voluntarily. When a prosecutor enters a nolle prosequi, it essentially means that they are choosing not to proceed with the prosecution of the case.
Diversion
Diversion programs in Florida are alternatives to traditional criminal prosecution designed to offer individuals accused of certain offenses an opportunity to address the underlying issues without going through the standard court process. These programs aim to provide rehabilitation, education, and support rather than focusing solely on punishment. The eligibility for and structure of diversion programs can vary by county and court.
Plea Agreement
A plea agreement is a legal arrangement in which a defendant agrees to plead guilty or no contest to a lesser charge or to a reduced sentence in exchange for a concession from the prosecutor or the court. This negotiation between the prosecution and the defense resolves a criminal case without going to trial.
Litigation
Litigation is a common term that attorneys who practice criminal law use to refer to filing and arguing motions that will determine the outcome of a criminal case. These are Motions to Suppress, Motions in Limine, and Motions to Dismiss. These motions are filed and heard after the case is filed, but before a trial. After litigating, or arguing these motions, the issues are narrowed and the parties are able to come to a resolution that more accurately reflects the strength of the evidence against a Defendant. Whether or not to file and argue one of these motions is case-specific. The criminal defense attorney on your case can advise you whether utilizing one of these motions will benefit or harm your case.
Probation in Florida
In Florida, probation is a legal arrangement in which a person, known as the probationer, is allowed to remain in the community under the supervision of a probation officer instead of serving time in jail or prison. Probation is often imposed as part of a criminal sentence, and it comes with specific conditions and requirements that the probationer must adhere to during the probationary period.
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If you have questions about the resolution of your criminal case, contact attorney Madison Howeller today at (386) 878-5087. Consultations are always free.
The information on this site is for educational purposes only and is not to be construed as legal advice. If you have questions about a criminal case, please contact an attorney.