Key points:
Among the findings:
Misdemeanor non-prosecution decreased the number of subsequent criminal complaints issued against defendants within two years by 69 percent relative to comparable prosecuted defendants.
Non-prosecution reduced the number of subsequent misdemeanor complaints by 67 percent relative to comparable prosecuted defendants, and the number of subsequent felony complaints by 75 percent relative to comparable prosecuted defendants.
Non-prosecution reduced the rate at which non-violent misdemeanor defendants were charged with subsequent violent offenses within two years by 64 percent relative to comparable prosecuted defendants.
The beneficial effects of non-prosecution were generally larger for first-time defendants and those without prior criminal complaints, convictions or criminal records in Suffolk County.
Link: https://www.newswise.com/articles/not-prosecuting-misdemeanors-reduces-likelihood-of-re-arrest-new-study-finds