When charges are "stayed," it means that the legal proceedings against the accused are temporarily halted or paused, but the charges themselves are not dismissed or dropped. This stay puts the trial on hold, leaving the charges in a state of limbo and allowing the possibility that the case may be reactivated and resumed in the future, usually within a specific timeframe (often one year for less serious offenses). Charges stayed is different from charges being dropped or withdrawn, which means the case is permanently closed and the charges cannot be reinstated. A stay of charges can occur for several reasons, including:

• Lack of sufficient evidence to proceed.
• Witnesses becoming hostile or uncooperative.
• Procedural or legal errors that would violate the accused's rights (e.g., evidence mishandling, violation of the right to a timely trial).
• The prosecution deciding it is not in the public interest to continue at this time.

While on the surface a stay can feel like relief (no immediate trial, jail time, or fines), the charges remain on record and can affect background checks and travel, and can be reactivated later if circumstances change.

In summary, a stay of charges means the case is paused but not ended, with potential for reactivation, unlike a withdrawal that permanently ends the case.