"Stayed charges" means that the legal process against someone has been temporarily halted or paused by a judge or prosecutor. It is not the same as having charges dropped or withdrawn; the charges remain active but are put "on hold," so the trial does not continue at that time. The prosecution may resume the case and bring the charges back to court within a certain period, often one year. This pause might occur due to reasons like lack of evidence, witnesses not cooperating, or violations of the accused's rights. Although the accused does not face immediate prosecution or penalties while charges are stayed, the charges still exist in the legal system and can potentially be reinstated.