If you have been arrested and charged with a crime, it can be a daunting experience as your future is at stake. Any conviction, even for a misdemeanor, can have long-term consequences. Therefore, understanding the outcomes you may face if you are charged with a crime in New Jersey is crucial. Please continue reading as we explore the potential outcomes of a criminal case and how a skilled Bergen County Criminal Defense Attorney can help you navigate your legal options.
What Are the Potential Outcomes in a Criminal Case?
When you are charged with a crime in New Jersey, the outcome of your case is not always as simple as “guilty” or “not guilty.” Depending on the circumstances, a criminal case can have many possible resolutions.
Generally, the quickest way to resolve a criminal case is through a plea bargain. This is an effective tool that an attorney can leverage with the prosecution. Through a plea deal, a defendant will agree to plead guilty to their offense or lesser charges in exchange for a reduced sentence. This option benefits both the defendant and prosecution as it removes the uncertainty of a trial and results in a more lenient sentence.
Another possible outcome is that the case could be dismissed (with prejudice). This is the best possible outcome for your case because it means the charges against you will go away and can never be brought again. Essentially, the case concludes without a conviction or determination of guilt. A judge may dismiss a case if there is insufficient evidence that you committed the crime, there is a lack of witnesses, there was misconduct by someone involved in the case, procedural errors, a violation of the defendant’s rights, etc. You should note that a criminal case can also be dismissed without prejudice, which means that the prosecution has the right to refile the case at a later date as long as the statute of limitations has not expired.
If a plea bargain cannot be reached and your case goes to trial, the judge or jury who is deciding your case may decide that the prosecution has failed to prove your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt and issue a not-guilty verdict. If this occurs, you will be considered acquitted and you cannot be charged with this crime again. If the prosecution is successful in proving you committed the crime in question, you will be found guilty and sentenced to various penalties based on the severity of your offense.
Furthermore, a criminal case could end in a mistrial. This occurs if the jury cannot reach a unanimous decision or there is a significant error or misconduct that makes the trial unfair. In some cases, a judge can issue a general continuance which will postpone a case even if the defendant is technically guilty, as long as there are enough mitigating factors. Under these circumstances, a case can continue for months or even years.
Given the uncertainty of a criminal trial, it’s in your best interest to contact an attorney from The Law Office of Carl Spector, who can help protect your rights and interests. Connect with our firm today for skilled representation.
