An acquittal is a jury’s verdict that a criminal defendant is found not guilty, or the finding of a judge that the evidence is insufficient to support a conviction, thus dismissing the criminal case completely.

Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary

acquittal (noun)

a setting free from the charge of an offense by verdict, sentence, or other legal process

Merriam-Webster Online Thesaurus

acquittal (noun)

a setting free from a charge of wrongdoing

SYNONYMS:

clearing, exculpation, exoneration, vindication

RELATED WORDS:

absolution, condonation, forgiveness, pardon, remission; atonement, expiation; compurgation; whitewash

NEAR ANTONYMS:

accusation, arraignment, impeachment, incrimination, indictment; prosecution; castigation, censure, condemnation, denunciation

conviction

Synonyms:

Complete Acquittal, Charges Dropped, Acquitted, Case Dismissed

2023 Update – Criminal Record Set Aside, Expungement or Seal
Beginning in January 2023, a new Arizona law will allow eligible convictions and criminal records to be sealed. Sealed records will be hidden from public view but still accessible to criminal justice agencies and certain employers for sensitive positions.
Arizona Disorderly Conduct Law: Disturbing the Peace Charges ARS 13-2904
Disturbing the peace fall under disorderly conduct charges in Arizona under ARS 13-2904, which, usually a misdemeanor, can become a felony. Talk to a criminal defense lawyer now.
The Entrapment Defense in Criminal Law Cases
Entrapment is a defense that arises when law enforcement officers induce a person to commit a crime that they would not have otherwise committed. If a defendant can successfully prove they were entrapped, they may be acquitted of the charges against them. Contact a criminal defense attorney at CHM Law today.

« Back to Glossary Index

Acquittal

CHM Law Podcasts

Follow Us

Article Categories

Legal Word of The Day

Probate

Get In Touch

Disclaimer