General Discussion

In criminal law, a "no bill" from a grand jury is a significant decision indicating that the evidence presented against a defendant is insufficient to justify a trial. It's also known as a "not a true bill".

A grand jury's role is to assess whether there is probable cause to believe a crime has been committed, not to determine guilt or innocence. A "no bill" signifies that the grand jury didn't find enough evidence to establish probable cause.

The immediate consequence of a "no bill" is that the criminal charges are dropped or dismissed. The individual is not formally charged and is spared the need for a trial.

It's crucial to understand that a "no bill" is not the same as an acquittal or a finding of innocence. It simply means the prosecution lacked sufficient evidence at that particular time

Grand jury proceedings, including a "no bill" decision, are usually kept confidential to protect the reputation of individuals investigated but not charged. This means the defendant might not even learn the specific reasons behind the grand jury's decision.

In essence, a "no bill" is a positive outcome for the person being investigated as it halts the criminal proceedings against them, at least for the present. However, it's not a definitive exoneration and carries the possibility of a future indictment if new evidence comes to light.