Nolle prosequi description.

Nolle prosequi description.

• A. A plea of not guilty
• B. A formal notice of discovery
• C. When criminal charges cannot be proved and the case is discontinued.
• D. A pretrial motion to suppress evidence

Answer: (C)

Nolle prosequi is a formal decision by a prosecutor not to pursue criminal charges, effectively stopping the case. It’s not a defendant’s plea of not guilty, not a discovery notice, and not a motion to suppress evidence. The decision arises when the state determines the charges cannot be proved, or for other policy or evidentiary reasons the case should not proceed, leading to the discontinuation of the prosecution. In some jurisdictions this can be with prejudice (preventing refiling) or without prejudice (allowing future charges), and it does not constitute an acquittal.

Nolle prosequi is a formal decision by a prosecutor not to pursue criminal charges, effectively stopping the case. It’s not a defendant’s plea of not guilty, not a discovery notice, and not a motion to suppress evidence. The decision arises when the state determines the charges cannot be proved, or for other policy or evidentiary reasons the case should not proceed, leading to the discontinuation of the prosecution. In some jurisdictions this can be with prejudice (preventing refiling) or without prejudice (allowing future charges), and it does not constitute an acquittal.