how to reopen a nolle prosequi case from the state's attorney

by Myles McLaughlin 7 min read

There is no practical difference between a nolle pros and a not guilty. You cannot reopen the case because it is a criminal charge which the State, by entering a nolle pros with leave of court, refused to prosecute. You cannot compel the State to prosecute you.

Full Answer

Can a nolle prosequi case be brought back?

Oct 13, 2017 · Under most circumstances, the State should not be allowed to re-open the dismissed case. I suggest you email or write the DA confirming that you did what he asked--paid restitution--and ask the DA to file a dismissal WITH prejudice because you are concerned the case might be re-opened by someone who does not realize you lived up to your side of the deal.

What is a nolle prosequi in Maryland?

Apr 04, 2020 · The term “nolle prosequi” is a Latin phrase that means “unwilling to pursue.”. Pronounced as nol·le pros·e·qui (nälē ˈpräsəˌkwē), the term is sometimes abbreviated as “nolle prosse” or “no pross.”. Under common law in the United States, the term was used by the prosecutor to declare voluntarily ending a criminal case ...

When does a nolle prosequi end in Florida?

Aug 03, 2018 · 6 reviews. Avvo Rating: 7.3. Criminal Defense Attorney in Fayetteville, GA. Reveal number. tel: (770) 461-2025. Call. Posted on Aug 4, 2018. When the State enters a "Nolle Pros" in a case, they may re-file the matter within 6 months. Most of the time, they will not, but the statutes give them the right to revive the charges within six months.

What is a notice of administrative nolle prosequi?

Sep 15, 2015 · Purpose of Nolle Prosequi. Nolle prosequi amounts to a formal declaration made by a prosecutor in a criminal case, or by a plaintiff in a civil lawsuit, that the case against the defendant is being dropped. In criminal cases, nolle prosequi may be used in situations in which there is a fatal flaw in the prosecution’s case, the prosecutor realizes he cannot prove the …

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Can you be recharged after a nolle prosequi?

The fact that the prosecutor entered a “nolle prosequi” is similar to having the case dismissed by the court, although when the case is dismissed by the court on an involuntary basis, the prosecutor is typically prohibited from refiling the charge.Jan 28, 2022

Can a nolle prosequi case be reopened in Illinois?

The prosecution is not terminated and may be reinstated at any time upon the State's motion. A nolle pros, however, terminates the charge and requires the institution of a new and separate proceeding to prosecute a defendant for that offense.Mar 28, 2020

Is nolle prosequi the same as dismissed?

Nolle prosequi is a Latin phrase meaning "will no longer prosecute" or a variation on the same. It amounts to a dismissal of charges by the prosecution. Some states, like New York, for example, don't use the phrase. Rather, they simply use the term dismissal.

Can a nolle prosequi case be reopened in Maryland?

Thus, when a nol pros is entered charges can be refiled, meaning the person is not in the clear once the prosecutor has made his or her decision. If you would like to talk about what steps to take after being charged or receiving a nol pros, call Rice, Murtha & Psoras to schedule a free consultation.

What is the past tense of nolle prosequi?

Nolle-prosequied definition

Simple past tense and past participle of nolle prosequi.

What does nol mean in court?

Primary tabs. A Latin phrase meaning “to be unwilling to prosecute.” A nolle prosequi is a prosecutor's formal entry on the record indicating that he or she will no longer prosecute a pending criminal charge against the defendant. A nolle prosequi acts as a dismissal of the charges, usually without prejudice.

In which scenario would a prosecutor apply the concept of nolle prosequi?

In which scenario would a prosecutor apply the concept of nolle prosequi? A criminal case against a defendant lacks the necessary evidence to prove guilt.

Why would a prosecutor nolle prosequi?

When does the prosecutor seek a nolle prosequi / nolle pros? The nolle pros is used for two primary reasons. The first is to help the prosecution determine the timing of the trial and the second is to help the prosecution negotiate results with the defense.Jun 26, 2016

What does nolle prosequi indicted mean?

Nolle prosequi as a declaration can be made by a prosecutor in a criminal case either before or during trial, resulting in the prosecutor declining to further pursue the case against the defendant.

Can nolle prosequi be expunged in Maryland?

Nolle Prosequi (Nol Pros)

You must file a petition to expunge a Nolle Prosequi if the charge is part of a unit that is not eligible for automatic expungement. If the case was nolle prosequi and you were not served, you must still file for expungement, unless eligible for automatic expungement.

How do you use nolle prosequi in a sentence?

The Attorney-General may stop any prosecution on indictment by entering a nolle prosequi. The power of the Attorney to issue a nolle prosequi has no statutory basis. The prosecutor had sole, unfettered discretion to enter a nolle prosequi in this case.

What is a stet docket in Maryland?

“stet docket” is simply a colloquialism referring to the fact that the case is inactive. The charges are not dropped, nor is the defendant determined to be innocent or guilty. Instead, the case is simply put on hold indefinitely.Nov 20, 2019

2 attorney answers

Yes, it can be re-opened. But prosecutors typically don't do that if they are dismissing it because of insufficient evidence.

Clint Barbour

When the State enters a "Nolle Pros" in a case, they may re-file the matter within 6 months. Most of the time, they will not, but the statutes give them the right to revive the charges within six months.

Why is Nolle Prosequi entered in a civil case?

Nolle prosequi may be entered in a civil lawsuit for similar reasons, such as when evidence and testimony take a turn, and the plaintiff no longer has confidence that it will prove his case. In both civil and criminal cases, the entry of nolle prosequi has the same effect as a voluntary dismissal of the case, or certain claims, charges, ...

What is the purpose of Nolle Prosequi?

Purpose of Nolle Prosequi. Nolle prosequi amounts to a formal declaration made by a prosecutor in a criminal case, or by a plaintiff in a civil lawsuit, that the case against the defendant is being dropped . In criminal cases, nolle prosequi may be used in situations in which there is a fatal flaw in the prosecution’s case, ...

Why is Nolle Prosequi important?

Common reasons for nolle prosequi include: A key witness has been discredited, or is now refusing to cooperate. Evidence has been reevaluated and found lacking, or found to prove the opposition’s point. New evidence, which proves the defendant’s innocence, or brings doubt as to his guilt, has come to light.

What does "nolle prosequi" mean?

The Latin term nolle prosequi means to “be unwilling to pursue, ” and is used in the criminal legal system to signify that the prosecution is discontinuing, or will not prosecute. In simple terms, nolle prosequi amounts to a voluntary dismissal of criminal charges by the prosecution, or a dismissal of a civil lawsuit. This may be done before trial, or even after trial has begun, and nolle prosequi may apply to all of the charges against the defendant, or to only a portion of them. To explore this concept, consider the following nolle prosequi definition.

What is a dismissal without prejudice?

Dismissal without Prejudice – A voluntary dismissal which allows for charges to be filed, or the civil lawsuit to be re-filed, at a later date.

What happens if a witness is unreliable?

If the witness’ testimony is deemed unreliable, which is likely, considering the circumstances, the prosecutor is not confident a guilty verdict would be rendered. The prosecutor files a motion for nolle prosequi, signifying he will not be pursuing the charges at this time, and dismissing the case.

When did the Nolle Prosequi come out?

On June 17, 2011, U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara filed a motion of nolle prosequi regarding terrorism charges against Osama bin Laden, which had been filed more than 13 years previously, for his role in blowing up two U.S. Embassies in Africa. This motion of unwillingness to pursue came after the al Qaeda leader’s death during a military raid on his home in Pakistan. Orders of nolle prosequi are common when a defendant has become deceased.

What is a Nolle Prosequi?

What is nolle prosequi? Nolle prosequi, or nolle pros'd, means that a senior prosecutor, such as the Solicitor General of the US, Attorney General of a state, a State Attorney, or a District Attorney enters a request order of reasoning to the court, which states an 'unwillingness to pursue' a charge, indictment, or 'true bill' from a grand jury, ...

What is the scope of the setting in a nolle prosequi?

A larger scope of the setting shows that the prosecution pursued a faint approach to charge the defendant. These prosecution papers are submitted prior to a trial and verdict. An underlying reason can be stated for the nolle prosequi that the prosecution moves to keep the case for another time.

What does a prosecutor do when witnesses refuse to testify?

A prosecutor enters the request for determination to the court, when witnesses refuse to testify, faint evidence, charges cannot be proved, fatal flaws in the case, accused has died, conflict of interest, or the evidence proves the innocence of the defendant.

Why do senior prosecutors enter this declaration?

Senior prosecutors enter this declaration, in some arenas, to protect statute of limitations, and prevent other junior prosecutors or police charges from moving forward against a defendant, with a weak case.

What is the purpose of the prosecution pursuit?

The prosecution engages in this pursuit as a roadblock or sorts, for a chance to try to defendant at a later date should the facts of the case change.

What happens if the judge denies a motion for nolle prosequi?

If the judge denies the prosecutor’s motion for nolle prosequi, then the judge should set a date for the trial. If you asked for the charges to be dismissed, then the judge will decide that issue at the same.

How to oppose a Nolle Prosequi motion?

The prosecutor might agree to dismiss the charges outright, depending on your circumstances.

How to dismiss charges in opposition?

In your opposition motion, you can point out why the charges should be dismissed. Basically, you merge a Motion to Dismiss with your motion opposing nolle prosequi. You could ask that the charges be dismissed for several reasons. For example, the statute of limitations might have expired, or the indictment might be defective.

Why do you oppose a motion for Nolle Prosequi?

As a defendant you might want to oppose a motion for nolle prosequi for one of two reasons: you want to go to trial, or you want the judge to dismiss your charges. In this case you would have your criminal defense attorney draft a motion of opposition and serve a copy on the prosecutor.

What to say in an introduction for a motion for nolle prosequi?

Add your introduction. Your introduction can briefly state that you oppose the prosecutor’s motion for nolle prosequi. If you are representing yourself, then you should note that fact.

Why do judges ask questions at a hearing?

At the hearing, the judge will probably ask you questions to understand why you are opposing the prosecutor’s attempt to terminate the prosecution. You should be prepared to answer any questions that the judge has. Even if you have a lawyer representing you, the judge still might want to hear from you.

How to answer a judge's question?

Listen quietly if the judge has questions and don’t interrupt. If you don’t know the answer, then say so. Don’t guess or say anything false when answering a judge’s question.

What does "nolle prosequi" mean?

Nolle Prosequi is a Latin phrase that means “unwilling to prosecute”, used in criminal cases. Nolle prosequi means that when there is insufficient evidence in a case to prove the defendant guilty then the court can suspend the charges against the defendant. The important thing which one should consider in nolle prosequi is that in these cases only the charges are suspended by the court or prosecution on the basis of lack of evidence, witness, and other ground facts.

What happens if a plaintiff finds evidence in the future?

If the plaintiff finds strong evidence in the future or the same alleged person is found guilty in another same case then the court can relate the facts of both cases and can proceed with both cases at the same time.

Can a defendant be acquitted in a Nolle Prosequi case?

Yes, since nolle prosequi does not conclude an acquittal if the case is not dismissed through a complete trial. The defendant in nolle prosequi will not be considered as acquitted in the front of the court. The court or prosecution can at any time open the case and can call the defendant to submit his statement in the court.

Is Nolle Prosequi acquittal?

In nolle prosequi it is not considered an acquittal and in some cases it may not be dismissedpermanently. If it is dismissed without prejudice the defendant can call anytime by the court and prosecution if they find any new evidence or witness. If it’s dismissed with prejudice, it is permanently dismissed.

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