QUESTION
Can a guilty plea in a 17.5 year old simple assault case in PA that has a disposition of “Nolle Prossed” ever be reopened for any reason?
Asked on Dec 03rd, 2017 on Criminal Law - Pennsylvania
More details to this question:
I was charged with simple assault in PA in July 2000, and entered a guilty plea, for which I was sentenced to maximum 2.0 years probation. I received a document in 2013 that shows a disposition of “Nolle Prossed”. My question is whether such a case can ever be reopened.
1 ANSWER
Nolle Prossed means dismissed. It seems like at the very least there was a clerical matter in your case. Importantly, you cannot reopen a 17.5 year old case as the time frame for filing such challenges is usually just a year. It does sound like you are the beneficiary of a clerical error. I would suggest you contact a local defense attorney to look into the matter. While you may not be able to reopen the case you may be able to apply for a pardon. This is a lengthy process that almost always benefits from the soft touch of an experienced attorney.
Answered on Dec 11th, 2017 at 9:43 AM