Acquitted. It’s a single word that can make your heart drop or soar. But what does acquit mean in a criminal case?
First, it is helpful to know that getting acquitted by a jury and being innocent are not synonymous. In other words, a jury acquitting you of criminal charges does not mean you are innocent. Nor does it mean that future employers who see a criminal charge that ended with an acquittal will assume you were innocent. Therefore, an acquittal does not erase the entire impact of a criminal accusation, but it carries weight and makes the accusation less impactful on your life.
At The Law Offices of Kerry L. Armstrong, APLC, we meet people every day who are holding their breath, hoping to hear that word. They have been accused, waited, and a jury finally acquitted them of the charges. And now, they need someone to tell them what it means. So let’s break it down.
What Does Acquit Mean?
What does it mean to acquit someone of criminal charges? It means that a judge or jury has found that the prosecution did not meet its burden of proof. That is the key. It does not necessarily mean the accused did not do what they were charged with; rather, it means the prosecution could not prove it beyond a reasonable doubt.
What Does Acquit Mean in Court?
What does acquit mean in court proceedings? It is the official declaration that the case is over and the defendant is not criminally liable for the charge. Once a judge or jury acquits a person, the prosecution cannot charge that person again for the same crime based on the same event. The Constitution’s double jeopardy clause prevents it.
Put another way, an acquittal is not a declaration of innocence. Instead, it is a formal conclusion that the case does not warrant a conviction, usually because the prosecution could not prove that the defendant committed the crime beyond a reasonable doubt.
What Does It Mean to Acquit Someone?
Think of a trial as a question: Did the prosecutor prove beyond a reasonable doubt that this person committed this crime? When a jury acquits someone, they answer that question with a “no.”
What does it mean to acquit someone in the eyes of the law? It means the person walks out of court and no longer faces punishment because the prosecution could not present enough evidence to prove their guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. However, an acquittal does not mean the arrest or the case disappears from public view. Unless the accused takes action to seal the record or seek an expungement (if eligible), the accusation remains on their record. For that reason, many people seek additional legal help even after acquittal—to clean up what is still out there.
How Is an Acquittal Different from a Dismissal?
Many people confuse acquittals and dismissals, but they are not the same. Dismissals happen before (or sometimes during) a trial. Acquittals only occur after parties present evidence, conclude the trial, and a judge or jury renders a verdict. In other words, acquittals happen when the trial ends.
In short:
- A dismissal ends a case early, before a jury renders a verdict; and
- An acquittal clears the accused after the trial concludes.
Both prevent further prosecution on that charge. However, the route you take affects your future in subtle ways, from how it shows up in background checks to what you can say on job applications.
When Might a Judge Acquit Someone?
Most people think only juries can acquit. Not true. Judges can also issue acquittals after hearing the evidence in a bench trial or after a jury deadlocks and a mistrial is declared. A judge might issue a directed verdict of acquittal if the prosecution fails to present legally sufficient evidence. That is rare, but it happens. And once someone is acquitted, there is no redo. The prosecution does not get a second bite at the apple.
What Does “Acquit” Mean for My Future?
First and foremost, an acquittal means freedom from criminal penalties, including incarceration and probation. It also means you have the legal right to move forward. But it’s not a total erasure of the accusation.
You may still have:
- A public arrest record,
- A charge on your criminal history report, and
- Lost time, wages, and emotional stress from the process.
That is why post-trial representation matters. Proper representation is not just about winning the case; it is also about rebuilding what you lost along the way.
Why Does Working with a Defense Lawyer Matter Before and After Acquittal?
The right attorney does not just prepare for trial; they prepare for every outcome. Whether the goal is a complete acquittal or a plea to a lesser charge, your lawyer should be strategic, thorough, and fearless. At The Law Offices of Kerry L. Armstrong, APLC, we have tried over 100 cases across California to jury trial. Our defense team does not flinch when cases get tough. We take pride in fighting for our clients because we know what’s at stake.
Our credentials speak for themselves:
- Kerry L. Armstrong is certified by the State Bar of California’s Board of Legal Specialization in criminal law—a rare distinction;
- He has been repeatedly named to the Super Lawyers list, including the Top 50 criminal attorneys in San Diego;
- He holds a Martindale-Hubbell AV-Preeminent rating and a 5-star peer-reviewed reputation for excellence;
- Best Lawyers and Best Law Firms also recognized him for his outstanding legal performance;
- Collectively, our team has handled thousands of high-stakes matters with precision, skill, and empathy.
In short, we know how to fight for you and your future.
Acquitted? Let The Law Offices of Kerry L. Armstrong, APLC, Help You Rebuild
If you or someone you love has been acquitted, you may feel relieved, but also unsure of what to do next. Whether you need help cleaning up your record, fighting back against a different charge, or preparing for civil fallout, we can guide you.
You deserve a future defined by something other than courtroom proceedings. Allow our team to give you the clarity and strength to move forward. We don’t just handle trials; we help people rewrite what comes after. Contact us today to schedule a complimentary consultation. Your story doesn’t end with an accusation. We are here to make sure of it.
Kerry L. Armstrong
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