Case Disposition

A disposition is the final outcome or resolution of a court case, marking the end of the judicial proceedings and indicating how the matter was resolved. It specifies whether charges were dismissed, a party was found liable, or a settlement or conviction occurred.

Understanding a case disposition is crucial for interpreting its legal status, public record implications, and resulting obligations or rights. Disposition clarifies whether a case remains active or officially closed, playing a vital role in public court records and assisting individuals, employees, and legal professionals in verifying how a case was concluded.

The disposition date marks when the case was officially resolved in court records. Every court case, whether criminal, civil, traffic, or family, concludes with a disposition that defines the result and guides any further legal or administrative actions.

Understanding Court Dispositions

A court disposition represents the final decision or settlement of a case or charge. The case disposition reflects the overall outcome, such as dismissal, judgment, or settlement. On the other hand, a charge disposition addresses the result of each specific count or allegation, clarifying which issues were resolved.

This distinction clarifies whether an entire case has been concluded or if only specific charges have been resolved.

Why Dispositions Matter

Dispositions are essential to understanding how cases are presented on employment screenings, legal documents, and public records. They document final judicial outcomes rather than pending cases, providing accurate verification of a person's legal history and influencing eligibility for expungement, appeal, or future professional opportunities.

Dispositions are reported in criminal record reports and legal databases, allowing employers and other parties to see the outcome of criminal cases.

Because dispositions verify the resolution of a case, they provide a more accurate reflection of a person's legal history. However, laws such as the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) limit the duration of certain dispositions' appearance in criminal reports to ensure fairness and compliance.

Common Types of Dispositions

Court disposition varies depending on the nature of the case and its outcome.

Criminal Case Dispositions

In criminal proceedings, a disposition reflects the outcome of each charge, alleged crime, or the overall case. Common criminal dispositions include:

• Guilty/Convicted: It implies that the court, either through trial or plea, found the defendant guilty, leading to sentencing such as fines, probation, or imprisonment. A conviction follows this finding and leads to sentencing, which may include imprisonment, probation, fines, or community service. A guilty verdict may be appealed or vacated, but until overturned, it remains part of the defendant's permanent record.

• Not Guilty/Acquitted: It indicates that the defendant has been cleared of charges, implying that the prosecution failed to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. An acquittal and a not guilty verdict result in the defendant being cleared of all charges. This outcome reinforces the constitutional presumption of innocence and bars retrial under double jeopardy laws.

• Dismissed/Nolle Prosequi: The prosecutor or court decides to drop the charges, usually due to insufficient evidence, procedural errors, or plea agreements. Dismissals clear a defendant's record, making it eligible for expungement.

• Deferred Adjudication/Probation: it allows judgment to be delayed while the defendant completes probation or court-ordered terms; successful completion usually prevents a conviction.

• No Contest (Nolo Contendere): A "no contest plea" allows defendants to accept punishment without admitting guilt.

• Charge Amended/Reduced: This means the "guilty charge" was modified or reduced to a lesser offense, usually as part of a plea deal.

• Diversion: Diversion programs allow eligible defendants to complete court-mandated requirements, such as counseling, rehabilitation, or community service. The criminal charges are usually dismissed after successful completion of the program.

• Suspension: Suspension refers to the temporary halting or postponement of prosecution or sentencing, often contingent upon compliance with specific conditions. If the defendant violates these terms, the proceeding may resume or penalties enforced.

Civil Case Dispositions

Civil disposition resolves disputes between individuals or entities, determining legal liabilities and remedies:

• Judgment for Plaintiff/Defendant: The court rules in favor of one party, granting monetary damages or other relief.

• Settled/Dismissed with Prejudice: The case is resolved by agreement and closed permanently, preventing future refiling.

• Summary Judgment/Default Judgment: Issued without trial, either because no factual disputes exist or one party failed to respond or appear.

Family and Probate Case Dispositions

Family and probate disposition address personal relationships, guardianship, and estate matters. It covers outcomes such as:

• Divorce Granted/Petition Denied: The court finalizes or denies the dissolution of a marriage.

• Custody Awarded/Modified: The judge establishes or adjusts parental custody, visitation, or support arrangements.

• Estate Closed/Will Probated: The court approves the will, settles debts, distributes assets, and officially closes the decedent's estate.

Disposition Hearing

A disposition hearing is a critical stage in the judicial process where the court determines the final resolution of a criminal case after charges have been filed. The purpose of the disposition hearing is to decide the appropriate legal consequence, such as sentencing, rehabilitation, or case dismissal, based on facts presented and applicable laws.

Disposition hearings are typically conducted in state or county trial or district court, depending on the nature of the case. For criminal proceedings, these hearings occur after a guilty plea or verdict, while in civil and family courts, they follow the trial or settlement stage. The following are typically addressed during a disposition hearing:

Sentencing Recommendations

During a disposition hearing, the judge reviews case materials, including plea agreements, probation reports, or program completion documents. The prosecution and defense may present arguments or recommendations. The defendant may enter a plea, guilty, not guilty, or no contest, after which the judge determines the case disposition, such as conviction, dismissal, deferred judgment, treatment program, or probation.

Non-Conviction Outcomes

Disposition hearings may also address non-conviction outcomes, such as dismissals, acquittals, or deferred judgments. While these outcomes indicate that the defendant was not found guilty, they may still appear on public records databases depending on the state reporting and federal regulations.

For instance, under the FCRA, non-conviction information may be reported by consumer reporting agencies for up to seven years from the date of disposition. This means that while non-convictions do not prove guilt, they can still appear during employment screenings, affecting employment opportunities if not properly contextualized.

Delayed or Deferred Disposition Hearings

Sometimes, a disposition hearing may be delayed or postponed to allow the defendant time to complete a court-mandated treatment program, such as a diversion or rehabilitation plan, aimed at encouraging rehabilitation over punishment. These programs typically address underlying issues like substance abuse or mental health, allowing the defendant to demonstrate compliance and reform.

If the defendant completes the program, the court may dismiss the charges, defer adjudication, or record a non-conviction outcome, significantly improving the individual's legal standing. Conversely, if the defendant fails to meet the program's requirements, the court may resume proceedings, impose sentencing, potentially resulting in fines, probation, or incarceration.

Plea Agreements

Plea agreements are central to many disposition hearings. Plea agreements are negotiated between the prosecutor and the defense attorney, resulting in reduced charges, lighter sentencing, or deferred adjudication in exchange for a guilty or no-contest plea.

Plea agreements benefit the court system by expediting proceedings and reducing trial costs while offering defendants a chance for more lenient outcomes. However, plea agreements carry long-term consequences, including potential effects on criminal records and future employment.

Outcome of Disposition Hearings

The outcome of a disposition hearing is formally documented in the court's database as the case disposition, forming part of the defendant's criminal history. This record is accessible to the public, including employers, landlords, or licensing agencies, through court records and law enforcement databases.

Ultimately, the disposition hearing not only determines the resolution of a criminal case but also shapes the defendant's long-term prospects and record transparency.

How to Read and Interpret Disposition Codes

Court records typically use disposition codes and abbreviations to summarize outcomes.

Court Docket Abbreviations

Disposition codes may vary slightly across jurisdictions, and should therefore be interpreted carefully. The following are the most common court docket abbreviations used to document case outcomes:

• DISM (Dismissed): the charges or case were dropped and will not proceed.

• NOLLE/NOLLE PROS (Nolle Prosequi): the prosecutor elected not to pursue the case.

• ADJUD G/ADJ G (Adjudicated Guilty): the defendant was found guilty by verdict or plea.

• ADJUD W/H/ W/H (Adjudication Withheld): the court withholds a formal finding of guilt, often after probation or a plea agreement.

• NG/ACQ (Not Guilty or Acquitted): the defendant has been cleared of the charge.

• DEF/SETT (Default Judgment or Settlement): used in civil cases to indicate resolution without trial.

Case Status vs. Disposition

Case status reflects the current stage of a legal case, such as active, pending, on hold, or closed. Case disposition, on the other hand, is the final decision or judgment that ends the legal matter. For example, a case may have a status of "closed" with a disposition of "dismissed" or "guilty".

Recognizing this distinction ensures an accurate understanding of judicial records and case progression within the judicial system.

Where to Find Case Dispositions

Case dispositions are accessible through several official and public sources, depending on the court and jurisdiction.

Online Court Portals

Many courts provide disposition details through state or county judicial websites and federal databases, such as PACER (Public Access to Court Electronic Records). These portals typically include docket summaries, judgment entries, and status updates. Users can search by case number, party name, or filing date, though access levels and fees vary by court.

Public Record Databases

Several third-party public record platforms provide access to case dispositions. However, while they offer convenience, their data may not always be current or complete, as they rely on periodic updates from court systems and may omit certain jurisdictions. Be sure to verify information through the originating court's official record.

Clerk of Court Offices

For certified copies of a case disposition, contact the clerk of court where the case was filed. Provide identifying details, including case number, party names, or filing year. Requests can be made in person, by mail, or occasionally by phone. Fees apply for copies and certification. Sometimes a valid ID may be required.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dispositions

The following answers clarify key concepts frequently asked about dispositions.