[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BlogPosting","@id":"https:\/\/www.brodenmickelsen.com\/blog\/potential-outcomes-criminal-case\/#BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/www.brodenmickelsen.com\/blog\/potential-outcomes-criminal-case\/","headline":"What Are the Potential Outcomes in My Criminal Case?","name":"What Are the Potential Outcomes in My Criminal Case?","description":"There are definite possible outcomes and it\u2019s important to be aware of them. No matter what kind of case you\u2019re facing, being charged with a crime is a scary experience. It\u2019s normal to have a lot of questions, and to worry about the possible outcomes in your case. Will this affect your career? Will you...","datePublished":"2017-09-27","dateModified":"2022-09-02","author":{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/www.brodenmickelsen.com\/blog\/author\/broden-mickelsen\/#Person","name":"Mick Mickelsen","url":"https:\/\/www.brodenmickelsen.com\/blog\/author\/broden-mickelsen\/","identifier":16,"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/30690d9f76c45bf5d61434169e78762d673b1ac9b949489cf69f1c78d567fc27?s=96&d=mm&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/30690d9f76c45bf5d61434169e78762d673b1ac9b949489cf69f1c78d567fc27?s=96&d=mm&r=g","height":96,"width":96}},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Broden, Mickelsen LLP","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.brodenmickelsen.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Broden-and-Mickelsen-Logo.png","url":"https:\/\/www.brodenmickelsen.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Broden-and-Mickelsen-Logo.png","width":378,"height":77}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.brodenmickelsen.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/What-Are-the-Potential-Outcomes-in-My-Criminal-Case.jpg","url":"https:\/\/www.brodenmickelsen.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/What-Are-the-Potential-Outcomes-in-My-Criminal-Case.jpg","height":2560,"width":2560},"url":"https:\/\/www.brodenmickelsen.com\/blog\/potential-outcomes-criminal-case\/","about":["Criminal Defense"],"wordCount":570,"keywords":["Criminal Case Potential Outcomes","Potential Outcomes in My Criminal Cas","Texas Criminal Defense Lawyer Criminal Case Potential Outcomes"],"articleBody":"There are definite possible outcomes and it\u2019s important to be aware of them.No matter what kind of case you\u2019re facing, being charged with a crime is a scary experience. It\u2019s normal to have a lot of questions, and to worry about the possible outcomes in your case. Will this affect your career? Will you have to worry about a permanent criminal record? How you will tell your family and neighbors? This is why it\u2019s important to work with an experienced criminal defense lawyer.Although no one can truly predict how a case will turn out, there are definite possible outcomes, and it\u2019s important to be aware of them. A knowledgeable lawyer who has handled multiple cases like yours will be able to give you a good assessment of the likely outcomes in your particular case.If the Charges Are Dropped \u2013 It\u2019s possible that the prosecutor will choose not to pursue a case against you. However, the arrest may remain on your record.If You Plead Guilty \u2013 Talk to a lawyer before you decide to admit guilt. Although many prosecutors may try to bargain with you by offering reduced charges in exchange for a guilty plea, there are real consequences to an admission of guilt. Always discuss this decision with your lawyer.If You Take a Plea Bargain \u2013 In many cases, prosecutors strike a deal with defendants by extending the chance to take a plea bargain. In most cases, you must waive your right to a trial if you decide to accept a plea bargain. According to a New York Times report, about 97 percent of federal cases and 94 percent of state cases end in a plea bargain.If You Are Found Guilty \u2013 If you proceed with a trial, the judge or the jury must listen to both sides of the case and determine if you\u2019re guilty or innocent. If you\u2019re found guilty, you have an opportunity to appeal your case. However, just because you appeal does not mean your appeal will get accepted for a hearing. Furthermore, being found guilty means you could face prison time, a fine, probation, or a combination of consequences.If You Are Found Not Guilty \u2013 Similarly, being found not guilty means the judge or the jury decides you are innocent of the charge brought against you.If the Court Declares a Mistrial \u2013 In a mistrial situation, the prosecutor or the defense must ask the court to declare that an error has occurred and that the case can\u2019t go forward. In some cases, a mistrial happens because the jury is deadlocked and can\u2019t agree on a verdict. In other cases, mistrials occur due to a mistake during the case, such as a juror acting inappropriately. In these instances, the prosecution can typically ask for a new trial with a new jury, starting the whole process over again.Contact a Texas Criminal Defense Lawyer About Your CaseIf you\u2019ve been charged with a crime, don\u2019t hesitate to speak to an experienced Texas criminal defense lawyer about your case.Sources:https:\/\/www.americanbar.org\/groups\/public_education\/resources\/law_related_education_network\/how_courts_work\/mistrials.htmlhttps:\/\/www.americanbar.org\/groups\/public_education\/resources\/law_related_education_network\/how_courts_work\/pleabargaining.htmlhttp:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/2012\/03\/23\/us\/stronger-hand-for-judges-after-rulings-on-plea-deals.htmlDallas Criminal Defense LawyerBroden & Mickelsen, LLP2600 State St Dallas, Texas 75204Main Phone: (214) 720-9552"},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Blog","item":"https:\/\/www.brodenmickelsen.com\/blog\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"What Are the Potential Outcomes in My Criminal Case?","item":"https:\/\/www.brodenmickelsen.com\/blog\/potential-outcomes-criminal-case\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]