Resolutions in Criminal Cases

A criminal case may end in various ways. The following are the most common ways that a case may be resolved.

Probation

Probation is generally used as an alternative to incarceration.

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.

Trial

A criminal trial may either be in front of a jury or just the judge.

Announcement of No Information

An "announcement of no information" refers to a situation where a prosecutor formally announces they are not pursuing a criminal case.

Dismissal or Nolle Prosequi

A nolle prosequi is a legal term referring to a prosecutor's decision to dismiss charges against a defendant.

Diversion

Diversion programs are alternatives to traditional criminal prosecution and vary by county.

Plea Agreement

A plea agreement is a way to resolve your criminal case short of trial.