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How Often Do Criminal Cases Go to Trial?

On Behalf of | Feb 17, 2023 | Criminal Defense

When you’re facing charges for a criminal case, you might experience additional stress worrying about going to trial. Fortunately, it’s not very likely that your case will ever go to court. The exact outcome depends on the crime, but hiring lawyers with plenty of criminal law experience is best.

Likelihood of Your Criminal Case Going to Trial

According to the Pew Research Center, only 2% of defendants for federal crimes go to trial. This study includes misdemeanors and felonies, finding that most defendants took a plea bargain to simplify the process and prevent the unknowns involved with a jury trial.

Many people have the image of dramatic criminal trials in mind, where one side presents copious information against the other. However, this rarely happens.

When you’re facing criminal charges, you can enter a guilty plea to avoid a trial. Since you admit you committed the crime, the court doesn’t need to bring in a jury and present the case against you. Sometimes admitting you’re guilty means you can accept a plea bargain for less severe consequences.

Though you might feel cautious about entering a guilty plea, you should consider how it can help your outcome. Most states have overloaded criminal justice systems with a years-long backlog of cases. Instead of getting a quick resolution and serving your time, you’ll have a drawn-out process just waiting for the outcome.

In many instances, the prosecution dismisses charges because there’s insufficient evidence to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Since the justice system has so much going on, they usually prefer to offer plea bargains to conserve other resources instead of spending time and money on a lengthy trial.

This option is ideal for defendants because they won’t have to spend as much money on retaining a lawyer. But you should know what to expect if your criminal case goes to trial.

What Happens in a Criminal Case Trial

Studies have shown that most defendants who let their criminal case go to trial end up with a guilty verdict anyway, so entering a plea before dragging out the process can streamline things. You won’t have to spend months or years on trial and can start serving your time immediately, hoping to get back to your real life even sooner.

Even when defendants enter a guilty plea, they can accept a deal for lesser charges. You and your attorney can enter a plea bargain at any time during your case. Your lawyer will help you decide if you should accept the deal after the court files the charges or after that point.

Whether you intend to say you’re guilty or aim for a plea bargain, you must find the best attorney for your case. The ideal lawyer knows various methods of criminal defense, even for federal charges such as:

  • Armed robbery
  • Child pornography
  • Credit card fraud
  • Drag trafficking
  • Embezzlement
  • Kidnapping
  • Tax evasion

Depending on the trial’s outcome, defendants might spend time in federal prison and lose their right to own a gun.

How CJB Law Can Help Your Criminal Case

Hiring an attorney with criminal experience increases your chances of avoiding a trial and reducing or dismissing the charges. Instead of relying on an appointed lawyer, take control of your future by contacting CJB Law today. There’s no need to face your criminal case alone—partner with an attorney for the best outcome.

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