The Difference Between A Not Guilty Verdict And An Acquittal

We’ve all watched Law & Order, Damages, and other courtroom dramas. But watching it on TV and experiencing a real trial are two very different things.

Hollywood casting and exaggerated scripts aside, what is the difference between a Not Guilty verdict and an acquittal?

The experienced attorneys at Hoelscher Gebbia Cepeda explain: If you’re found guilty of a charge, you are “convicted” and must face the penalties imposed for the crime. If you are found “Not Guilty,” you’re acquitted and your case is closed. So, in essence, a Not Guilty verdict is an acquittal.

But don’t assume that a Not Guilty verdict means you’re innocent of the charge. It simply means the prosecution wasn’t able to prove you were guilty.

The good news is that if you’re found Not Guilty, you can’t be charged with the same crime again—unless the court lacked proper jurisdiction.

There’s a big difference between being found Guilty and Not Guilty. If you’re facing a criminal charge, it’s important to find an attorney you can trust.

The law firm of Hoelscher Gebbia Cepeda is known for its expertise, resources, and tenacity in representing clients—whether they’ve been charged with DWI, domestic violence, drug possession, or even white-collar crimes. Don’t settle for anything less.