Resolutions in Criminal Cases

• Potential Dispositions:  A disposition refers to the legal status at the end of a case.  Potential dispositions include an announcement of no information, acquittal, withholding of adjudication, and adjudication.

  
  

• Dismissal:  The goal in all criminal cases is to have charges dismissed.  The State looks at several factors and considerations before making the decision to dismiss a case.

  
  

• Diversion:  Most first-time offenders or defendants with no criminal history can qualify for some sort of diversion program.  The programs vary by county, but most will result in reduced or dismissed charges if completed successfully.

  
  

• Plea:  Nearly all criminal cases will end with a negotiated plea.  A plea avoids the stress and uncertainty of a trial and provides a guaranteed result.

  
  

• Litigation:  When plea negotiations are not fruitful or there are potential legal issues with a defendant’s case, the defense attorney can file motions to have the court decide if certain evidence can be introduced by the State.  The result of those motion hearings will dictate the direction of the case and may resolve the case altogether.

  
  

• Trial:  All criminal defendants have the right to a trial by jury.  If a defense attorney is unable to come to a fair resolution with the State attorney or the defendant feels that the evidence will not support a guilty verdict, a trial may be a good option.

  
  

• Probation:  Many pleas result in the defendant being placed on probation as a condition of the plea agreement.   Probation varies by county, type of case, and whether it is misdemeanor or felony probation. Different rules and different procedural rights apply when someone is placed on probation.

  
  

If you have questions about the potential resolutions in your criminal case, contact Howeller Law P.L.L.C. today.  Consultations are always free.