Legal Definitions - stet

Stet is a legal term, primarily used in Maryland, that refers to an order issued by a court to temporarily halt or suspend criminal proceedings. When a case is "stetted," it means the prosecution has decided not to actively pursue the charges at that moment, effectively putting the case on hold without dismissing it permanently. This allows the prosecution the option to revive the case later if new evidence emerges or circumstances change, although there are often time limits for doing so.

• Example 1: Conditional Resolution for a Minor Offense

  A person is charged with a minor misdemeanor, such as shoplifting a low-value item. The prosecutor, after reviewing the case and considering the defendant's lack of prior criminal history, might agree to a "stet" order. This means the criminal proceedings are paused, often with the understanding that if the defendant completes a period of good behavior, performs community service, or attends a theft prevention class within a specified timeframe, the prosecution will not reactivate the case. This offers the defendant a chance to avoid a conviction while still acknowledging the offense.

  This example illustrates how a "stet" order can be used to provide a conditional resolution, allowing the legal process to be suspended while the defendant fulfills certain obligations, potentially leading to the permanent inactivity of the case.

• Example 2: Witness Unavailability in a Misdemeanor Case

  In a misdemeanor assault case, a crucial prosecution witness suddenly becomes unavailable to testify due to an unexpected, long-term medical emergency. Rather than being forced to dismiss the case entirely, which would prevent them from ever bringing it back, the prosecutor can request a "stet" order from the court. This puts the case on hold, preserving the prosecution's ability to reactivate the charges once the witness is able to appear, without violating the defendant's right to a speedy trial if the delay is reasonable and agreed upon.

  Here, "stet" serves as a procedural tool, allowing the prosecution to pause a case when essential elements, such as key witness testimony, are temporarily unobtainable, thereby preventing an irreversible dismissal.

• Example 3: Defendant Entering a Rehabilitation Program

  A defendant is charged with a non-violent drug possession offense. After discussions, the prosecutor learns the defendant is genuinely committed to entering a comprehensive, long-term drug rehabilitation program. To encourage this positive step, the prosecutor might agree to a "stet" order. The criminal proceedings are suspended while the defendant participates in treatment. If the defendant successfully completes the program, demonstrating rehabilitation, the prosecution may then decide not to reactivate the case, offering a path to recovery instead of immediate prosecution and potential incarceration.

  This demonstrates "stet" being used in conjunction with alternative sentencing or diversion programs, where the legal process is suspended to allow for a non-punitive resolution based on the defendant's successful completion of a rehabilitative program.