Will I Have a Criminal Record if my case was Nolle Prosequi?
A criminal record is a collection of documented crimes that show up when someone runs a background check or performs a public record search. In most cases, criminal records are checked when you’re applying for a mortgage, job, or even a firearm. Therefore, knowing if you have a criminal record is important because it can prevent you from obtaining gainful employment or other things you may desire.
While knowing whether or not you committed a crime is usually easy, you might be wondering, will I have a criminal record if my case was nolle prosequi? The short answer is that you might, but even if you do, it shouldn't impact your ability to pass a background check.
Still, there is a lot you need to know, and knowing how to check your records is essential before going through any background check process. Read on to learn more.
What Does Nolle Prosequi Mean?
Nolle Prosequi, sometimes shortened to nol pros, is a Latin phrase that translates to We Shall No Longer Prosecute. The purpose of nolle prosequi is to let the defendant know that the prosecution is no longer filing charges. Depending on the type of case, this can result in a dismissal, which is usually the case when nolle prosequi is filed in civil courts. It's also important to note that there may be some other slight variations of the phrase depending on the legal team and the exact terms of any deals.
Is Nolle Prosequi the Same as Dismissed?
In most cases, yes, nolle prosequi is the same as dismissed. Typically, nolle prosequi is a voluntary motion that's filed by the defense in order to drop one or more charges against someone. This can be done before the case is heard by a jury, and it usually happens if witnesses fail to comply or if there is a lack of, or new, evidence in the case.
Does Nolle Prosequi Show Up in Criminal Records?
Yes, nolle prosequi will appear in criminal records. While the case has been dismissed, there will still be a record of your court dates, hearings, and other information related to the case. While a dismissal will appear on your record, it's not something that will cause a red flag on a background check because it was dismissed. People can ask about it, but you can simply tell them that the charges were dropped and move on.
Can You Remove Nolle Prosequi from Your Criminal Record?
Yes, you can remove nolle prosequi from your criminal records. You can petition the court to expunge the records by consulting with a lawyer and appealing to a judge. In most cases, you can have the records removed after a certain period. Additionally, it might naturally come off your record in 5-7 years in states that have rules about how far back a company can look for criminal records. That said, for government work or jobs that require special clearance, this information may still be accessible.
How to Check Your Criminal Records
Checking your criminal record is the best way to see if a nolle prosequi will appear on your record during a backyard check. While you can wait for a background check to reveal the dismissal, it's a better idea to run a quick public records search on yourself using a tool like information.com.
To check your own records, you can use any of the people search tools that are available. You can search with your name, address, phone number, and even email if that's all you have. From there, Information.com does the rest and will compile a full report of all your public records. This includes criminal records, court records, and anything else you can expect to find in a background check.
We always recommend checking your records before going through any type of background check to prevent problems with the process.
Check Your Public Records Today
Nolle prosequi will appear in your criminal records if you don't move to have it expunged. However, a dismissed case isn't a sign that you committed a crime, and it's not something that should impact your ability to be employed. That said, it's a good idea to check your records before you apply to any job or before you go through any background checks. It's always better to be upfront about anything that may appear on your record. While you can check public and state databases, we always recommend using a tool like Information.com to make the process a breeze.
