Questionnaire England/Wales

I.37 What happens with the case after the withdrawal of the charge?

When a case is dropped, the person accused of the charges is free to continue with a clear criminal record. The history of the case will remain on file and may be used as evidence against the accused in future cases (.e.g. as similar fact evidence). However, it should be noted that if the case is discontinued (which is not seen as a technical withdrawal) then the case can be revived.