Getting charged with a crime can make you anxious about your future. If you’re convicted, it can affect your freedom and finances, along with your ability to get housing and employment. The outcome of your case will be determined by a variety of factors, including evidence, procedural details, your legal strategy, and human judgment.
Knowing what will influence your case is critical for focusing on what matters most. Below are six factors that can influence everything.
- The lawyer you choose
The single most important factor in determining the outcome of your case is your lawyer. It’s not that lawyers have the ability to bend outcomes to their will. It’s the fact that a good lawyer can get evidence thrown out, charges dropped, and sentences reduced when warranted. A lawyer can’t guarantee any outcome, but if getting your charges reduced or dismissed is a possibility, you’ll need a strong criminal defense lawyer to make it happen.
A strong attorney will build a defense strategy that identifies weaknesses in the prosecution’s argument, file motions to suppress evidence, and negotiate if you’re offered a plea deal. How you navigate a plea deal is one of the most important factors that will influence your case outcome.
If you try to represent yourself, the prosecution will probably offer you a deal with bad terms that looks good on the outside. An attorney will push back on bad deals and negotiate to get you a meaningful compromise.
- The strength of the evidence
Every criminal case relies on evidence. The prosecutor must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, and their ability to do that hinges on the strength of their evidence. For example, physical evidence might include DNA, fingerprints, and forensic data. There could be witnesses who provide testimony, and they might even include digital evidence like emails and text messages.
Strong evidence is harder to fight, but weak or improperly obtained evidence creates opportunities to shift your case outcome. Your lawyer will develop a defense strategy around identifying and exploiting these opportunities.
- Your criminal history
People with an existing criminal history are often treated more harshly than first-time offenders. Your past won’t seal your future, but it will influence how it’s handled. Courts consider prior convictions when determining bail and for sentencing. Prior convictions for similar offenses can generate harsher penalties. However, if it’s your first offense, you might get the chance to go into a diversion program for dropped charges or a reduced sentence, like probation.
- The severity and type of charges
There are vastly different penalties for every crime, and certain classifications come with harsher sentencing. For example, felonies are more serious than misdemeanors; they carry longer prison sentences, and a conviction can impact your employment opportunities and civil rights for the rest of your life.
Some charges come with mandatory minimum penalties that limit the judge’s ability to be lenient, regardless of mitigating factors. Then you have to consider that violent crimes are prosecuted more aggressively than non-violent crimes. The nature of your charges will determine how much leniency you can get, even under ideal circumstances.
- The judge and prosecutor
The legal system involves a lot of human judgment from the prosecutor and the judge. Prosecutors decide what charges to file and whether to offer a plea deal. Judges can use their discretion when imposing your sentence within legal guidelines. Some judges are known for strict sentencing, while others prefer rehabilitation programs. You can’t choose your judge or the prosecutor, but your attorney will know how to adapt your defense to their tendencies.
- How you behave
Your behavior will be a major factor in how your case turns out. How you conduct yourself can influence everything. For example, failing to appear or violating the conditions of your bond can damage your case. Courts see compliance as responsibility. You also have to consider your behavior on social media. If you’re engaging in questionable activity online, it can and will be used against you to attack your character. Most importantly, how you dress for court and how you behave in the courtroom will influence how you’re perceived by judges and juries. The wrong appearance or mannerisms can negatively influence your outcome.
A handful of factors influence your case
How things turn out for you will be shaped by a series of factors that are only partially in your control. That’s why you need a skilled criminal defense attorney to secure the best possible outcome for your case. Without professional legal counsel, you risk getting a harsh sentence that would have otherwise been lighter.
