Simply put, a criminal case dismissed without prejudice can be refiled later and is only temporarily dismissed but must be refiled before the statute of limitations has expired. In contrast, criminal cases dismissed with prejudice cannot be refiled and dismissed permanently.
“Dismissed without prejudice” is a legal term that means a case is dismissed but can still be refiled at a later point. Both civil and criminal cases can be dismissed without prejudice.
If the case is dismissed without prejudice, prosecutors will have another two years to refile before the statute of limitations expires. You can contact our California criminal defense lawyers for a case review.
A case dismissed with prejudice is over and done with, once and for all, and can't be brought back to court. A case dismissed without prejudice means the opposite. It's not dismissed forever. The person whose case it is can try again.
Dismissed without Prejudice If prosecutors dismissed the case “without prejudice,” they can refile charges any time before the statute of limitations has expired – that is, they can reopen it if they are able to overcome whatever caused the dismissal in the first place.
However, certain nuances in how the case was dismissed could open the door for the District Attorney to potentially refile... In California, when a case is dismissed pursuant to Penal Code 1385, the dismissal is typically "with prejudice." This means that the charges cannot be refiled.
At any time before the plaintiff has introduced all of his evidence other than rebuttal evidence, the plaintiff may dismiss a case, or take a non-suit, which shall be entered in the minutes.
Dismissal Without Prejudice: Allows the plaintiff to refile the case in the future, assuming no statute of limitations has elapsed. Dismissal With Prejudice: This is a final judgment that prevents the plaintiff from bringing the same claim or cause of action against the same defendant in the future.
You are also likely to face stricter release conditions. Courts may forbid you from traveling out of California or require you to wear an electronic ankle bracelet to track your position.
Following the court's and bond company's requirements is imperative if you are out on bond. Bond conditions will last as long as the case is still open. So, it is vital to ensure that you follow all the requirements of your release while the case proceeds.