What is the difference between an acquittal and a dismissal?

In Massachusetts, an acquittal and a dismissal are two different ways of dealing with a drug crime. An acquittal is when a jury or judge finds someone not guilty of a crime. This means that the person is cleared of any wrongdoing and is free to go. In a trial, the prosecutor must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that someone is guilty of a crime. If the prosecutor is unable to do this, then the person is acquitted. A dismissal is when a case is dropped or thrown out. This means that the prosecutor decides not to take the case to trial and the defendant is no longer at risk of being convicted of a crime. Dismissal usually happens when the prosecutor feels that there is not enough evidence to win a conviction. In drug crime cases, dismissal is also possible if the accused has completed a drug diversion program and complied with all of its requirements. The key difference between an acquittal and a dismissal is that an acquittal is decided by a jury or judge, while a dismissal is decided by the prosecutor. While an acquittal means that the defendant is officially found not guilty, a dismissal still leaves the case open and the defendant can be charged again if new evidence is found.

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What is the difference between an acquittal and a dismissal?

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