When can a case not be reopened?

Asked by: Anne Volkman MD  |  Last update: February 14, 2025
Score: 5/5 (54 votes)

Yes, a dismissed civil case can sometimes be reopened, but it depends on how the dismissal was issued. If the case was dismissed “without prejudice,” you may be able to file a motion to reinstate the case or file a new lawsuit. However, if it was dismissed “with prejudice,” reopening the case is not allowed.

Can a case be reopened after found not guilty?

A defendant whose conviction was reversed on appeal may be retried without violating double jeopardy. However, any charge of which the defendant was found not guilty the first time cannot be retried.

When can a case not be tried again?

Once a jury trial begins, jeopardy attaches when the jury is sworn in or, in a bench trial, when the first witness is sworn in. From this point forward, the defendant is protected from being tried again for the same offense if the trial ends in an acquittal or a conviction.

Can an inactive case be reopened?

Reactivated: A count of cases that had previously been Placed on Inactive Status, but have been restored to the court's control during the reporting period. Further court proceedings in these cases can now be resumed during the reporting period and these cases can once again proceed toward disposition.

Can you reopen an old case?

Yes, a case can be reopened after being closed if there are valid grounds such as the discovery of new evidence, procedural errors, ineffective assistance of counsel, or if it's necessary to prevent manifest injustice.

Can I reopen my criminal case if my attorney never explained to me the immigration consequences?

25 related questions found

What is it called when a case is closed forever?

A case that is “dismissed with prejudice” is completely and permanently over.

What is it called when a case Cannot be reopened?

In the state of California, judicial proceedings may result in the dismissal of a case, a decision that can take two forms: with prejudice or without prejudice. When a case is dismissed with prejudice, it is finalized and cannot be reopened, leaving no room for further legal action on the same matter.

How many times can a felony case be reset?

Resetting a Felony Case

The number of times a case can be reset depends on the circumstances. For example, if a defendant has a court-appointed public defender, they can automatically reset the case three times. However, a criminal defense attorney who you hire on your own can automatically reset a case four times.

How many times can you retry a case?

How many times can a defendant be retried? For those facing hung jury retrials, it's as many times as the government pleases. Double jeopardy prohibitions do not apply when juries fail to reach a verdict. There is, theoretically, a built-in procedural solution to stop the government from endlessly retrying defendants.

Why do court cases keep getting continued?

Perhaps the most common reason for a continuance is when one side did not have enough time to investigate the case and analyze the evidence. Many defense attorneys, especially public defenders, can move only so quickly because they are representing many clients.

How long can a court case be pushed back?

There is no hard and fast rule set out in the US Constitution that defines how long is too long for a delay. However, one rule of thumb is eight months. Courts will usually presume they delay of this length has been sufficient to satisfy a defendant's claim that their right to a speedy trial is being denied.

What can cause a case to reopen?

Circumstances that May Warrant Reopening a Case Despite Settlement Agreement
  • New Evidence. ...
  • Fraud or Misrepresentation. ...
  • Mutual Mistakes. ...
  • Change in Circumstances. ...
  • Gathering Evidence. ...
  • Insurance Company And Negotiations. ...
  • Consulting With a Personal Injury Lawyer.

How often are felony charges dropped?

Regardless of the cause, around 25-30% of felony charges get dropped before trial, so there's a decent chance your case could get dismissed, too.

Can you sue someone after being found not guilty?

If you are accused of a crime and acquitted or otherwise found not guilty of the offense, you can still face a civil lawsuit for the same incident.

Can a case be reopened with new evidence?

Yes, with several exceptions: If there is a statute of limitations, or time limit on bringing the case to trial.

What makes a judgment dormant?

A judgment becomes dormant and unenforceable when seven years lapse after the granting of the judgment, but may be revived by an additional entry within seven years from the initial judgment.

How many times can a court case be put off?

Typically, there's no limit on the number of continuances that a defendant can request. That said, a judge won't look favorably on repeated requests, especially if they appear to be delay tactics. Repeated requests, made without good cause, will be denied. (The judge could also reprimand the lawyer.)

Can a case be reopened after settlement?

Many people do not realize that you cannot reopen a lawsuit after a settlement. As a result, they take the first settlement that the insurance company offers them, well before reaching maximum medical improvement.

Can a case be dismissed after pleading guilty?

Sometimes the judge will dismiss the charges if the defendant withdraws their plea based on new evidence of their innocence. A judge is more likely to accept a guilty plea withdrawal in the earlier stages of a case or soon after the plea was made.

How long is evidence kept after a case is closed?

How Long Is the Evidence Kept? The duty to preserve evidence begins once any state agency or actor has gathered and taken possession of evidence as part of a criminal investigation and generally lasts through the conclusion of the case or the defendant's sentence.

How long can a case be bound over?

These laws differ in many respects, such as what kinds of events count as excludable time, and they vary widely in the amount of time they allow for bringing a case to triaL Among the most restrictive States is California, which specifies 15 days in felony cases from arrest to indictment and 60 days from indictment to ...

Can a disposed case be reopened?

A disposed case can sometimes be reopened depending on the circumstances. For example, if a judge dismisses a case without prejudice, the prosecution might have the option to refile charges. In contrast, a case dismissed with prejudice cannot be reopened.

What makes a case closed?

Closed criminal cases, whether following a conviction or an acquittal, indicate that all necessary legal proceedings and court hearings have been completed.