The legal system is full of terms that can be confusing to the average individual. Among these are the terms “acquittal” and “not guilty” which typically get used interchangeably by the public. However, these terms are different and have specific legal meanings and implications, in the state of New Jersey. It is important to understand the distinctions between an acquittal and a not guilty verdict for anyone who is involved in a criminal case in New Jersey.
What is a Not Guilty Verdict?
A not guilty verdict is a formal decision made by a jury in a criminal trial, declaring that the prosecution has failed to prove the defendant’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. A not guilty verdict is reached after the case has gone to trial and the presentation of evidence and arguments by both the prosecution and the defense has occurred. It is based solely on whether there was enough evidence shown to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Here are some key points about a not-guilty verdict:
Presumption of Innocence – In New Jersey, as in all U.S. states, the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty. It is up to the prosecution to present enough evidence to show that a person is guilty of a crime. A not-guilty verdict reinforces the presumed innocence and indicates that the prosecution did not meet its burden of proof.
Finality – If a not guilty verdict is rendered by a judge or jury, the defendant cannot be retried for the same offense. There is a Double Jeopardy Clause of the U.S. Constitution, which prevents an individual from being tried for the same crime twice.
Impact on the Defendant – A not guilty verdict means the defendant is free from the charges in that particular case. It does not necessarily mean that the defendant is in fact innocent, but simply that there was not enough evidence to find them guilty and hold them accountable for the crime.
What is an Acquittal?
Not guilty is a verdict and is actually a form of acquittal, but not the only form. An acquittal is a legal judgment that formally declares the defendant not guilty of the charges against them and that the charges should be dropped. It is essentially the official decision that is being made about the case. An acquittal can occur under several circumstances, not just at the end of a trial:
Judge or Jury Decision – An acquittal can be the result of a judge’s ruling during a bench trial or a jury’s decision during a jury trial. In both scenarios, the acquittal confirms that the defendant is not guilty of the charges, and this version of acquittal is most closely related to a not-guilty verdict.
Insufficient Evidence – An acquittal can also result from insufficient evidence being presented. If a judge determines that the prosecution has not presented enough evidence to support a conviction, they may acquit the defendant. This can occur at any time during the case, even before it is submitted to the jury.
Partial Acquittal – A not guilty verdict applies with finality to the charges, but in some cases, a defendant may be acquitted of some charges but found guilty of others. This is known as a partial acquittal and can occur when multiple charges are brought against a defendant.
Similarities In Acquittals and Not Guilty Verdicts
The two terms are very similar and as such there are many things that apply to both terms. Both an acquittal and a not guilty verdict will provide the defendant with protection against double jeopardy. This means the defendant cannot be prosecuted again for the same offense after a verdict has been reached. Likewise, both terms are eligible for expungement depending on the circumstances of the case. This process involves petitioning the court to remove or seal records related to the arrest and trial, thereby mitigating the impact on the individual’s future.
One element that can be forever impacted by criminal charges even if a person is acquitted or found not guilty is their reputation. While an acquittal or not guilty verdict legally clears the defendant of charges, the record of the arrest and trial do remain. This can have social and professional implications, even if the individual is not legally guilty. Which is why it is particularly damaging when someone makes false accusations against you. Because you may be able to clear your name from a legal perspective but remain guilty in the eyes of your peers.
Understanding The Nuances of Legal Terms
Understanding the distinctions between an acquittal and a not guilty verdict is crucial for anyone involved in or following a criminal case in New Jersey. While both terms result in the defendant being cleared of charges, they reflect different aspects of the legal process. An acquittal is the legal judgment leading to the not guilty verdict, while the not guilty verdict itself represents the outcome of the trial. Both provide protection against double jeopardy, ensuring the defendant cannot be tried again for the same offense. However, the social and professional implications of an arrest and trial may persist, which makes hiring an experienced expungement attorney to help with the process of getting your records sealed an important consideration for those who have been acquitted or found not guilty.
