5 Factors That Affect the Outcome of Your Criminal Case
You never know what might occur when charges get filed against you for a criminal offense. You might find yourself in a precarious situation due to police inquiries. Anxiety may affect you regardless of whether you're at fault or not. Moreover, you must take all precautions to prevent a guilty verdict.
The law categorizes criminal acts as misdemeanors or felonies. The former attracts minor punishments, while the latter is often followed by incarceration. For felonies, it is important to try and get the shortest sentence possible. The following five elements influence the outcome of any criminal case. You should consider these factors regardless of the crime they accuse you of doing.
1. Prior Criminal History
Your criminal record will be a key factor in your case. Judges consider your criminal past and use the data to calculate the most appropriate sentence permitted by law. Your criminal history also affects your legal alternatives and the plea bargain you can get. The court could even dismiss less-serious charges for an offender with no prior convictions.
On the other hand, the prosecution would be less likely to arrange a plea deal for you if you have previous charges.
2. Facts of Your Case
The circumstances around a case and the evidence presented influence your case greatly. The prosecutor would be less forgiving if they have credible and compelling proof of your crime. As a result, it will be more difficult to get the charges on you dropped to a lesser sentence. The outcomes would thus depend on your defenses.
It may weaken the case if your attorney can prove the police got the evidence against you unlawfully. Ensure you have solid defenses to help your lawyer negotiate a good plea deal.
3. The Prosecutor and Judge
In a criminal case, the prosecutor and case judge are crucial players in deciding your fate. Some prosecutors are eager to wrap up the case and will do everything they can to avoid trial. Such prosecutors are more inclined to favor a plea deal that benefits the defendant. But, some prosecutors prefer to go through with the case. They might decline to drop or downgrade the charges or even favor a harsher punishment.
Also, you seldom know how the judge would see your case. Factors like their mood, sense of morality, and prior courtroom meetings may come into play. They could surprise you with their harshness, compassion, or apathy.
4. Extenuating Circumstances
State legislations may take extenuating factors into account. Having a defense lawyer who knows all the loopholes that the law could provide is important. You might benefit from the leeway provided, which could prevent you from going to jail. For instance, veteran status or history of mental problems often affects the case.
You should have a lawyer that will assess what options may be accessible to you. They should know all the details of your case and the circumstances of your condition.
5. Your Attorney
Your attorney is a significant player who has influence on your case. Hiring a professional lawyer will increase the probability of a successful outcome. They could get the charges dropped or amended to a lesser offense with a lighter sentence. Your lawyer should be able to investigate well and mount a compelling defense.
Additionally, your lawyer's standing with the judges and prosecutors is also very important. Their capacity to strike a deal for your case with the prosecutor is crucial.
Being involved in the criminal process may be a difficult and demanding process. You need to engage a lawyer who can make use of the elements that may favorably impact how your case turns out. Get in touch with us at Gayheart & Willis P.C. for more information on the elements that might influence how your criminal case turns out. We will be more than happy to assist.
