{"id":414607,"date":"2026-11-03T09:45:03","date_gmt":"2026-11-03T14:45:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ability-fl-prod.internetbrands.com\/ability-law\/?page_id=414607"},"modified":"2026-11-03T09:39:41","modified_gmt":"2026-11-03T14:39:41","slug":"what-is-nolle-prosequi","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/criminal\/criminal-procedure\/what-is-nolle-prosequi.html","title":{"rendered":"What Is Nolle Prosequi?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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What Is Nolle Prosequi?<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By Susan Buckner, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Laura Temme, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n

A nolle prosequi<\/span><\/em>, often shortened to “nolle pross<\/span>,” is a formal notice from a prosecutor stating they are voluntarily dropping criminal charges<\/span> against a defendant. This action ends the current prosecution, but is not an acquittal<\/span> or a finding of innocence. Because a nolle pross<\/span> is a dismissal “without prejudice,” the prosecutor retains the right to refile the charges<\/span> later, as long as it\u2019s within the time limit set by the statute of limitations<\/span>.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

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In most cases, there are only two ways to end a criminal case once you\u2019ve been charged and arraigned. You can accept a plea deal, or the case can go to trial. A third possibility is that a defendant learns that their case is being \u201cnol prossed<\/span>.\u201d In simple terms, you\u2019re being released.<\/p>\n

Nolle prosequi<\/span><\/em> is a legal term<\/span> meaning \u201cwe will no longer prosecute<\/span>\u201d or \u201cwe do not wish to prosecute.\u201d The full meaning is a bit more complicated. If your case is nol prossed<\/span>, that doesn\u2019t mean you were found not guilty or acquitted. The charges against you have been dropped, but the state can refile them before a certain deadline. This article explains what a nolle prosequi<\/span> means for your case, why a prosecutor might file one, and what your options are for clearing your record.<\/p>\n

Why Would a Prosecutor Drop Charges with a Nolle Prosequi<\/span>?<\/h2>\n

A nolle prosequi<\/span><\/em> order<\/span> means that the prosecuting attorney<\/span> voluntarily drops or dismisses the charges against a defendant, usually before trial. They can do this for a number of reasons, such as:<\/p>\n