Former Arthur Andersen partner Daniel F. Stulac has escaped a maximum term of 30 years in jail after charges were dismissed against him for his role in the firm's audits of Peregrine Systems.

Software company Peregrine filed for bankruptcy in 2002 after uncovering misstatements in previous financial reports. Both the CEO and CFO resigned after the discovery and have since pleaded guilty together with 10 other defendants.

After six weeks of hearings the jury was deadlocked in the second trial of Stulac, 43. Last August, following a three-month trial, the original jury deadlocked with eight votes favoring acquittal on all counts.

Stulac's attorney Michael Attanasio, a partner in law firm Cooley Godward Kronish, said he believes the criminal case is over now that the charges have been dismissed, US website WebCPA reported.