Ms. Cheeks had faced charges in the death until lactation experts persuaded prosecutors that they had no case.

During the lengthy reinvestigation of the jogger case this year, the younger Mr. Santana played an important role in persuading prosecutors that he had nothing to do with the attack.

In addition, some businesses claim that rivals with government ties have persuaded local prosecutors to open criminal cases against them, sometimes on the most minor of infractions.

Lehman's presentation persuaded prosecutors that no crime had been committed by the firm.

In the end, he persuaded prosecutors to drop the charge that would have required the long sentence.

A lawyer familiar with Mr. Libby's efforts said he had tried to persuade federal prosecutors in New York to drop the 1983 indictment against Mr. Rich.

Whether Mr. Kokh will be able to persuade Russian prosecutors of the probity of his book advance and stay out of prison is another question.

Tape recordings of Mr. Hubbell's conversations from prison may have persuaded prosecutors that he is withholding information.

Yesterday, Mr. Long, 40, was set free after serving six years, and after his lawyers, from Legal Aid, persuaded prosecutors to reinvestigate the case.

Mr. Burke was held in jail for two months before being released last year after persuading prosecutors that his alibi had some validity.