Proving My Innocence

Most drug cases are handled the same. A person is charged with a crime, there's a trial, a verdict is rendered in the case, and the defendant is sentenced if they are found guilty. However, sometimes cases deviate from the norm, and one possible outcome is the case placed on a stet docket. Here's more information about what that is.

The Stet Docket is for Inactive Cases

The phrase "stet docket" is actually a colloquialism for the official term "let it stand docket". As you can probably infer, this category is for cases the court lists as inactive. When this occurs, the criminal trial is put on hold and any warrants out on the defendant are canceled or revoked.

Unfortunately, being listed as inactive is not the same as being dismissed. When a case is placed on the stet docket, it enters a type of limbo. The defendant isn't found guilty or innocent, and the charges remain active. While the defendant doesn't face further prosecution, the case can be reopened at a later date if the court deems it necessary.

Cases are placed on the stet docket for a variety of reasons. In most cases, this occurs as part of a plea deal where the defendant agrees to complete a set of actions in exchange for having the charges reduced or dropped. For instance, the prosecution may agree to drop the marijuana possession charges if the defendant completes a drug diversion program. If the defendant fails to meet the terms of the deal, then the case is reactivated and they are prosecuted normally.

Sometimes, though, a case is placed on the stet docket because the prosecutor doesn't have enough evidence to win but doesn't actually want to drop the charges. A witness may have fled and the prosecutor wants to give their office time to find the individual, for example.

Stet Cases are Time Limited

It may be frustrating to have your case sidelined with no clear idea of how long it would take to obtain a resolution. Luckily, the law limits how long a case can remain on the stet docket, though that time limit varies depending on the state. In Georgia, for instance, you can ask the court to expunge the case from your record after it's been on the stet docket for 12 months.

If you suspect your case has been placed on the stet docket, contact an attorney for assistance as soon as possible. A lawyer can evaluate the facts in the case and advise you on the best way to handle the situation to minimize the negative impact on your life. For help with your criminal case, contact a local law firm like Cohen Law Offices, LLC.