All Parties Win in Bryant Case Dismissal

Speculation that the alleged victim might not testify began last month when a clerk in Colorado's Eagle County Court mistakenly posted a sealed document on the court's Web site. It was the third time the court had accidentally posted sealed court documents in the Bryant case.

The accidentally-posted document revealed the alleged victim's name, which has been withheld, and included testimony from an expert witness who said DNA evidence suggests the alleged victim had sex with someone soon after her encounter with Bryant. The woman, through her attorneys,denied having sex in the days following the alleged rape, and prosecutors contended the DNA evidence may have been contaminated.

"A dismissal for the defendant is always the best thing that can happen short of a not guilty at trial," said ABC News legal analyst and Colorado defense attorney Lisa Wayne. "Is it complete exoneration? No. But it saves his life."

If convicted of felony sexual assault, Bryant could have faced four years to life in prison or 20 years to life on probation, and a fine up to $750,000. Though he still faces the civil suit, Davis said Bryant came out ahead. "Even though he probably would have been acquitted, his statement to police would be devastating from a PR perspective," she said. "And a trial is always a crapshoot."

The dismissal of the criminal case also eases the burden on the residents of Eagle County. According to county records, the Bryant case involved more than 700 pretrial motions and cost taxpayers more than $325,000. And, sources told ABC News, Bryant spent millions on his criminal defense.

‘Justice Was Interrupted’

Eagle Country District Attorney Mark Hurlbert said that while he regrets that "justice was interrupted," the decision was based solely on the alleged victim's personal decision to not testify — not a lack of belief in her or the case.