How Often Do Criminal Cases End Up Going To Trial?

Prevalence Of Trials In Criminal Proceedings

In our practice, we find that half our cases are set for trial, but out of those, only about one fifth goes through a trial. We frequently show prosecutors we are willing to fight the case, and that we are not there to strike a deal, plea bargain, or plead guilty to some charge. On the day of trial, when the prosecutor has to bring in witnesses to prove their case beyond a reasonable doubt to a unanimous jury, at that point, we usually get a dismissal of the charge, or the charge is reduced to a minor offense. Of course, our client has to be willing to accept this charge, and deferred adjudication may be sealed from their records for minor offenses like misdemeanors, or Class C ticket level offenses. Some Class C ticket level probations may even be able to be expunged.