Many people are able to avoid a trial. In some cases, the prosecutor dismisses the charges, such as where there is a lack of evidence or the police made serious mistakes. Your attorney can tell you if that is likely in your case. In most other cases, criminal charges result in a plea agreement. Depending on the nature of the charges, your attorney may be able to negotiate a plea deal that keeps you out of jail or otherwise minimizes penalties that could affect your life moving forward.

In some cases, it’s in your best interests to go to trial. If your attorney determines that is true for you, they will protect your rights throughout the process and strategize to help you defeat the charges against you.