Case dismissed! What does it really mean and can it be reopened?
Case Dismissed…
When you’ve been charged with a crime and your freedom and livelihood are on the line, there’s nothing better than hearing the words, “Case Dismissed.” Getting criminal charges dismissed before trial is definitely a best-case scenario for a defendant, but is it really the end of your legal issues? Here’s a look at answers to some frequently asked questions regarding the dismissal of criminal charges.
What Exactly Happens When a Criminal Case is Dismissed?
When a criminal case is dismissed, then it is over with no finding of guilt or conviction. Legal action has been terminated and the state is not moving forward with the prosecution — at least for now. A case can be dismissed at any time during the process, including before trial, during trial, or even after trial (if a convicted defendant wins on appeal.)
Who Can Dismiss a Criminal Case?
The prosecuting attorney and the judge are the only ones with the power to dismiss a criminal case. Because the prosecutor filed the charge, they also have the discretion to dismiss it if they believe the facts and circumstances warrant it. Likewise, a judge can dismiss the case if they find no legal basis for the charge, if the defendant’s rights have been violated, or if the state has failed to prove its case. Judges can dismiss a case either on their own motion or on the motion of the defendant. Most charges, however, are dismissed by prosecutors, not judges.
What Are Common Reasons for a Case Dismissed?
There are a number of reasons why a prosecutor or a judge may dismiss a criminal case. A skilled defense attorney will be able to identify legitimate grounds for dismissal. They include but aren’t limited to:
- The statute of limitations has expired.
- The defendant’s constitutional right to a speedy trial has been violated.
- Prosecutorial misconduct. (For example, Alec Baldwin’s case for involuntary manslaughter was dismissed by the judge after prosecutors failed to turn over evidence.)
- Witnesses are uncooperative or the victim recants.
- Scientific analysis, such as DNA test results, reveals new information.
- The defendant has agreed to work with the government in exchange for a dismissal.
- Violation of the double jeopardy clause.
- Prosecutorial discretion.
- A violation of the Appointments Clause (the Trump classified documents case was dismissed without prejudice by a federal judge who found the appointment of and payment for Special Counsel to have been unconstitutional.)
Can a Dismissed Case be Reopened?
Yes, depending on the circumstances, a dismissed case can sometimes be reopened. Cases are generally dismissed in one of the two following ways:
Without Prejudice: If a case is dismissed “without prejudice,” it means the case is closed, but the plaintiff (or prosecutor) is allowed to refile the case in the future.
With Prejudice: If a case is dismissed “with prejudice,” it means the case is closed permanently, and the plaintiff (or prosecutor) is barred from filing another case on the same claim.
Dismissed without Prejudice
It depends. If prosecutors dismissed the case “without prejudice,” they can refile charges any time before the statute of limitations has expired – that is, they can reopen it if they are able to overcome whatever caused the dismissal in the first place. Example: Donald Trump’s classified documents case was dismissed without prejudice, although it will be very difficult for prosecutors to bring that charge again as a practical matter.
Dismissed with Prejudice
If the case is dismissed “with prejudice,” the case is over permanently. The case cannot be re-filed and you are in the clear. (Example, Alec Baldwin’s dismissal after the jury was seated
| Dismissed With Prejudice | Dismissed Without Prejudice |
|---|---|
|
• Case is closed permanently
• Prosecutors cannot refile the same charges • Provides complete finality to the case • Example: Alec Baldwin’s involuntary manslaughter case |
• Case is closed but can be reopened
• Prosecutors can refile charges before statute of limitations expires • Must overcome original reason for dismissal to refile • Example: Trump’s classified documents case |
Check out this video by Board Certified Criminal Defense Attorney Anna Summersett to understand the difference and what it means to you.
How often are criminal cases dismissed in Texas?
According to the data published by the Office of Court Administration, 267,001 cases were disposed of in district courts in Texas in 2023. Of those 72,612 cases were dismissed. This reflects about 27% of cases that were resolved by dismissal. Tarrant County reported resolving 10,186 cases in district courts in 2023. Of these, 1,786 were dismissals. The dismissal rate in Tarrant County of 17.5% is nearly 10% lower than the state average. Dallas County dismissed about 20% of the felony cases resolved in 2023.
If My Case Gets Dismissed Will I Still Have It On My Record?
Yes, unless you take additional action. Many people wrongly believe that if they have a case dismissed then it automatically comes off their record. The fact of the matter is that the arrest will stay on your record unless you obtain an expunction or nondisclosure — legal mechanisms that allow your record to be destroyed or sealed. Until you get an order granting an expunction or nondisclosure, your arrest will remain a matter of public record and could adversely affect your life, including your ability to get a job or secure a home loan, among other things. Board Certified Criminal Defense Attorney Benson Varghese explains how to remove the arrest from your record in this video.
If you think your case has grounds for dismissal, or if your case has already been dismissed and you need an expunction or nondisclosure, contact Varghese Summersett PLLC today at 817-203-2220. We can help.
Get an expunction or nondisclosure.