No Free Passes for Cronies

Summary#

This bill changes Rule 48(a) of the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure. It says the government may ask a court to dismiss an indictment, information, or complaint. The court may grant or deny that motion after considering the interests of justice. The court may not grant a motion to dismiss the prosecution during trial without the defendant's consent.

What it means for you#

  • Prosecutors can still ask to dismiss criminal charges, but judges must weigh the interests of justice.
  • If a dismissal is requested while a trial is underway, the judge cannot end the prosecution unless the defendant agrees.
  • The change affects how dismissal requests are handled in court, especially during trials.

Expenses#

No publicly available information.

Proponents' View#

Proponents say the amendment ensures courts consider the interests of justice before dismissing cases and prevents prosecutors from ending a trial without the defendant's consent.

Opponents' View#

No publicly available information.