The words, “Nolle Prosequi” although unfamiliar to many in the general public, had to bring a smile to a Bristol Township mother when she read them in August.

The Bucks County District Attorney’s office in a legal filing informed Kelley Lewis, who along with her son  “Chris” was struck on Rt 13 in Bristol Borough in August of 2021, the case will no longer be pursued.

Subsequent to the accident, Lewis was charged with drug related offenses as part of the investigation into the summer crash that led to a community outpouring of concern for Lewis’ then infant son.

The term nolle prosequ is a Latin phrase meaning “will no longer prosecute,” legal experts say.

“The prosecution invokes nolle prosequi or dismissal when it has decided to discontinue a prosecution or part of it. Lawyers and judges refer to the charges ‘nol prossed’ or dismissed. The prosecution may nol pross all charges against the defendant or only some, Nolo.com, an online legal encyclopedia operated by legal experts.

According to the commonwealth code, a district attorney is prohibited from entering a nolle prosequi without court approval at any time after the filing of an information.

The striking driver, Brian Carter of Croydon, pleaded guilty to driving under the influence and two summary offenses last May.  Carter was sentenced to six months probation, paying fines totaling $300.00. and is required to take highway safety classes as part of his guilty plea.

No reason was provided by the Bucks County District Attorney’s office for the charges being dismissed.