Abbreviations, Terms and Dispositions on Criminal History Records

Q. What do the abbreviations, terms and dispositions on criminal history records mean?

A. Following are definitions of common abbreviations, terms and dispositions on criminal history records.

Common Abbreviations:

MISD: Misdemeanor

FEL: Felony

TXT: Theft by Taking

VGCSA: Violation of Georgia’s Controlled Substance Act

SID: State Identification Number

Common Terms:

Acquittal: A verdict of not guilty

Adjudicate: To give judgment; to render or award judgment

Convictions: An adjudication that a person is guilty of a crime based upon a verdict

Dismissal: To discontinue; to order a cause, motion or prosecution to be discontinued, quashed or dismissed as finally adjudicated against the plaintiff

Felony: A serious offense which, in Georgia, carries a sentence of 1 year or more

First Offender Multi-source Offender: The person has been arrested for a crime in another state

Common Dispositions:

DISM: Dismissed/Dismissal

NPGJ: Not presented to the Grand Jury – treat as a dismissal

NFAA: No further action anticipated – treat as a dismissal

No Bill: Treat as a dismissal

Nolo Contendere: Treat as a conviction

Nolle Prosequi/Nolle Prossed: Treat as a dismissal

First Offender: Treat as a conviction unless it shows that there was a successful completion of the program