Because I couldn’t fit anything else in the file cabinets, I decided to get rid of all of the closed and old files. As I was shredding the files, I realized how many of our clients get their charges dropped, either before they ever go to court, or after formal charges have been filed. When I look back over the past 8 years, I remember the really difficult case and clients. But the majority of our clients, whose names and cases I had forgotten, get their charges dropped. Most of our clients come from referrals, we don’t do any marketing other than this blog and our website. So I would guess, one of the reasons we’re able to limit our advertising is because people get such good results when they hire us, and they tell two friends and they tell two friends, and they tell two friends.
What’s the difference between these terms in a criminal case?
No Information – means formal charges were never filed – the person may have been arrested but the State Attorney decided not to file formal charges.
Nol Pros – or more correctly Nolle Prosequi – means there were formal charges filed, but the State Attorney has decided to drop those charges.
In both a No Info and a Nol Pros, you are probably eligible for expunging the record if this is your first offense.
A dismissal occurs when formal charges have been filed, but you have entered into a modified probation – usually pre-trial intervention, and once completed, the charges are dismissed. If the charges are dismissed, you may be eligible for expunging, but are most likely eligible for sealing.
How do you get your charge dropped or dismissed? although we won’t guarantee it, it happens to a lot of my clients!