nolle prosequi

Nolle prosequi (abbreviated nol. pros. ) is a Latin phrase, which directly translates to “not to wish to prosecute.” Nolle prosequi is a legal notice or entry of record that the prosecutor or plaintiff has decided to abandon the prosecution or lawsuit .

A nolle prosequi may be entered in a criminal or a civil suit any time after the charges are brought and before a verdict is returned or a plea entered. A nolle prosequi is not an acquittal , so the double jeopardy clause does not apply, and a defendant may later be reindicted on the same charges.

[Last reviewed in July of 2021 by the Wex Definitions Team ]

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