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Law Office of David L. Scott

What are the Possible Outcomes of a Criminal Case?

A criminal case can be a complex situation. If you have been arrested for any crime, there is a lot at stake. Your life and livelihood could be at risk. Will you have to pay fines? Will you spend years in jail?

There is a lot that can happen in a criminal case. Criminal cases are different from civil ones in that the burden of proof is on the prosecutor, whether that be the state or federal government. The prosecutor must provide evidence to prove to the jury that the defendant is guilty. The defendant must be found guilty “beyond a reasonable doubt.” This means the evidence must be so strong that there is no reasonable doubt that the person did, in fact, commit the crime.

In any case, there are many possible outcomes. Read more about them below.

Dismissal or Dropped Charges

Before trial, the prosecutor or judge may dismiss the case due to lack of evidence, improper procedure, or other legal reasons. Common reasons for dismissal include insufficient evidence, violation of the defendant’s rights (such as illegal search and seizure), or an unreliable key witness.

Plea Bargain

This is when the defendant and prosecutor agree to a plea deal. The defendant pleads guilty to a lesser charge or fewer counts in exchange for reduced penalties. As a result, the case doesn’t go to trial, and the sentence is often lighter.

Guilty Verdict

If the defendant is found guilty during a trial, they have been convicted of the crime. The court imposes a sentence, which could include jail or prison time, fines or restitution, or community service. They may also be ordered to go on probation, which is supervised release with conditions.

Not Guilty Verdict

This means the state could not prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. The defendant is found not guilty and is acquitted of the crime. They are released with no criminal liability for the alleged crime.

Mistrial

A mistrial occurs when the trial cannot be completed properly. This may happen if the jury cannot agree on a verdict or if there are procedural issues involved. After a mistrial, the prosecutor may retry the case or drop the charges.

Sentencing Alternatives

Instead of prison time, the defendant might receive probation or house arrest. They may also be ordered to enter a rehabilitation program. First-time offenders of minor crimes may be offered a diversion program, such as drug treatment or counseling.

Appeal

If convicted, the defendant has the right to appeal the decision to a higher court, challenging the fairness of the trial or legality of the judgment. The conviction may be upheld, overturned, or sent back for retrial.

Contact Us Today

A criminal case can go several ways. You could be guilty or not guilty. You could face several penalties. The charges could be dismissed altogether.

If you have been arrested, don’t go through the criminal process alone. Seek legal help from a Murfreesboro criminal defense attorney from The Law Office of David L. Scott. We have what it takes to pursue every possible defense strategy, even when the charges against you are serious. Schedule a consultation today. Call (615) 896-7656 or fill out the online form.

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Our focus is on helping you get through your legal troubles. With more than 25 years of experience, we are committed to getting the best legal outcome for you. Contact today for a free case evaluation. We look forward to hearing from you!