An acquittal occurs when the court finds you “not guilty.” This doesn't necessarily mean that you are innocent. It means you were charged with a crime but the jury or judge does not believe you are guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. ... You get exonerated after a court has already found you guilty.

What does getting acquitted mean?

At the end of a trial, a judge or jury can choose to “acquit” someone by finding them not guilty. This can apply to some — or all — of the criminal charges. Acquitting a criminal defendant happens when the evidence does not support the charges or the prosecution does not prove their case.

Is an acquittal final?

In common law jurisdictions, an acquittal certifies that the accused is free from the charge of an offense, as far as the criminal law is concerned. The finality of an acquittal is dependent on the jurisdiction.