What is the difference between a dismissal and a conviction?

The difference between a dismissal and a conviction in Washington drug crimes law is that a dismissal is the act of dropping a criminal charge or otherwise ending a criminal case without a conviction. A dismissal can occur for a variety of reasons, such as a lack of evidence, a procedural error, or a plea bargain. When a case is dismissed, criminal charges are removed from your record, and you can move forward without a criminal conviction. Conversely, a conviction occurs when a person is found guilty of a crime after a trial or after pleading guilty. A conviction means that the judge or jury found that the accused broke the law and is guilty of the charge. A conviction remains on your criminal record and typically carries a criminal sentence, such as jail time, a fine, probation, or other penalties. Depending on the severity of the crime, a conviction may also result in a loss of employment, voting rights, and other privileges.

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