What is the difference between an acquittal and a dismissal in criminal cases?

An acquittal and a dismissal are two different outcomes of a criminal case in the state of Montana. An acquittal is when a criminal defendant is found not guilty of the charges they are facing. This is often the result of a trial, when after hearing all of the evidence the jury finds the defendant not guilty. A dismissal, on the other hand, occurs when charges are dropped before a trial takes place. This can occur if the prosecution does not have enough evidence to make a case or if there is some fault with the way the case was brought forward. Depending on the circumstances, this may or may not reflect the innocence of the defendant. In either situation, the accused person has their charges dropped and move on with their life. However, an acquittal is a better outcome for a defendant since it is a clear statement that the evidence does not support the charges. A dismissal is not an official declaration of innocence, and the charges may have been brought again if additional evidence had been available.

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What is the difference between an acquittal and a dismissal in criminal cases?

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