What Is the Difference Between Dismissed, Acquitted, and Not Guilty?
If you’ve ever faced criminal charges—or supported someone who has—you know the legal system can be full of confusing terminology. Three terms that often cause uncertainty are dismissed, acquitted, and not guilty. While they might all sound like wins, they each mean something different under Washington law. Here’s what you need to know.
Dismissed: Case Ends Before Trial
A case is dismissed when the court or the prosecutor decides to drop the charges before a trial is completed. This can happen for many reasons—lack of evidence, violations of your constitutional rights, or even successful pre-trial motions by your attorney. A dismissal is not a determination of guilt or innocence; it simply means the case isn’t going forward.
There are two types of dismissals in Washington:
- With prejudice: The case cannot be refiled.
- Without prejudice: The prosecutor can refile charges later if they correct the problem that led to the dismissal.
Dismissal is often the goal of strong legal advocacy early in a case, and it’s a clean exit from the court system—though it doesn’t carry the same finality as an acquittal.
Acquitted: Found Not Guilty at Trial
An acquittal happens at the end of a trial, when a judge or jury finds the defendant not guilty. This is a legal determination that the prosecution did not prove its case beyond a reasonable doubt.
An acquittal is final. Under the Double Jeopardy Clause of the Fifth Amendment, a person cannot be retried for the same offense after an acquittal—even if new evidence surfaces. This is the strongest form of legal victory at trial.
Not Guilty: The Verdict, Not a Declaration of Innocence
When someone is found not guilty, it means that the jury (or judge, in a bench trial) concluded that the prosecution did not meet its burden of proof. It is not the same as saying the person is innocent—it simply means the government failed to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
This distinction is critical: a “not guilty” verdict doesn’t necessarily clear your name in the public eye, but it does mean the legal system recognizes your right to walk free.
Why These Distinctions Matter
Knowing the difference between these terms helps you understand what your outcome actually means—and what protections or limitations apply. For example:
- A dismissed case may still be refiled (if dismissed without prejudice).
- A not guilty verdict means you can never be tried again for the same charge.
- An acquittal gives final closure to a trial but might not expunge the arrest record automatically.
How the Law Office of Erin Bradley McAleer Can Help
Whether you’re facing misdemeanor or felony charges in Washington, we know how important it is to understand your rights—and protect your record. Our experienced defense team fights for dismissals wherever possible, and we’re prepared to take cases to trial to secure full acquittals when needed. If you’re dealing with criminal charges in Clark County or anywhere in the state, contact us today for a free consultation. Your future is worth defending.