Define nolle prosequi.

Define nolle prosequi.

• A. A plea of no contest
• B. When criminal charges cannot be proved, evidence has demonstrated either innocence, there is a fatal flaw in the prosecution's claim, or the district attorney has become convinced the accused is innocent.
• C. The charges are dropped for administrative reasons
• D. The case proceeds to trial

Answer: (B)

Nolle prosequi is a formal decision by the prosecutor to discontinue the case and drop the charges. It happens when the state determines there isn’t enough evidence to prove the charges beyond a reasonable doubt, or new information shows the charges can’t be proven, or the prosecutor believes the accused is innocent. It’s a prosecutorial action, not a defendant’s plea, and it isn’t simply an administrative cancellation. Depending on the jurisdiction, the case may sometimes be refiled later, but as a result of this decision, it stops for now.

Nolle prosequi is a formal decision by the prosecutor to discontinue the case and drop the charges. It happens when the state determines there isn’t enough evidence to prove the charges beyond a reasonable doubt, or new information shows the charges can’t be proven, or the prosecutor believes the accused is innocent. It’s a prosecutorial action, not a defendant’s plea, and it isn’t simply an administrative cancellation. Depending on the jurisdiction, the case may sometimes be refiled later, but as a result of this decision, it stops for now.