A stay of proceedings is a ruling by the court in civil and criminal procedure, halting further legal process in a trial or other legal proceeding. The court can subsequently lift the stay and resume proceedings based on events taking place after the stay is ordered.

What does a charge being stayed mean?

Charges are “stayed” when a judge or a Crown decides that it would be bad for the justice system for the case to continue. This means the issue of guilt or innocence is never determined. Stays can be granted when the state has acted unfairly, including a failure to bring the case to trial in a timely manner.

Is a stayed charge a conviction?

While a stay of charges is not as serious as a criminal conviction, it may still be something you don't want appearing on any background check.