Dealing with criminal charges and the possibility of a trial can be extremely daunting. Many defendants find themselves asking, “What are the odds of winning a criminal trial?” Ewing Law Group, PC, offers custom and affordable criminal defense services throughout Sacramento and the neighboring counties of Placer, El Dorado, Yolo, Yuba, and Sutter.
Although only 2-3% of criminal cases in California proceed to trial, the majority of those that do result in convictions. Having a solid pre-trial strategy is essential to improving your case's chances of success. Getting in touch with a knowledgeable Sacramento criminal defense attorney is the first step in any strategy.
Several key factors can influence the outcome of a criminal trial, such as:
A bench trial (where your verdict is decided by a judge and not by a jury) and a jury trial are available options. Bench trial outcomes can lean towards legal arguments, whereas jury trial outcomes can depend on how compelling each side’s story is.
Case results can also be impacted by understanding how local courts function. Ewing Law Group, PC, has extensive experience in the greater Sacramento area, including Placer, El Dorado, Yolo, Yuba, and Sutter counties. This experience includes understanding how individual judges manage trials and how local prosecutors handle negotiations.
Even though the majority of cases are settled out of court, some go to trial for various reasons. This includes when the defendant refuses all plea deals, the evidence presented by the prosecution is circumstantial or weak, a plea deal does not significantly reduce penalties, or there are constitutional issues such as illegal searches or coerced confessions.
California follows a general timeline for criminal trials:
Working with a knowledgeable Sacramento criminal defense firm like Ewing Law Group, PC, can help you stay ahead at every stage of the trial timeline. Delays often occur when evidence isn’t requested promptly, motions are filed late, or legal strategy lacks coordination.
These setbacks are reduced by Ewing Law Group’s commitment to treating every case with the care it deserves. To help our clients strengthen their defense and increase the possibility of a successful outcome, we approach every part of the criminal trial process with precision and attention to detail.
Avoiding a trial often results in a better outcome. We help our clients explore all options:
These options may result in reduced fines, quicker resolutions, and preserved documentation.
A: In 2022, around 8.2% of criminal cases were dismissed before going to trial, according to the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts. These dismissals frequently happen as a result of insufficient evidence, errors made by law enforcement during the investigation, or successful defense motions, like those contesting illegal searches or constitutional rights violations.
A: Going to trial is rare for most defendants in California, as the majority of criminal cases are resolved through other means, like plea deals or other resolutions. Depending on the circumstances of each client and the quality of the evidence at hand, Ewing Law Group, PC, determines whether a trial is required.
A: Plea agreements are used to settle about 98% of federal criminal cases. These frequently involve a guilty plea in return for fewer charges. Plea bargaining spares the defendant and the court from the uncertainty of a trial. Every plea deal is carefully evaluated by Ewing Law Group, PC, to see if it is in the interests of the client.
A: In 2022, only about 0.4% of federal criminal cases went to trial and were found not guilty. Focusing on avoiding trial whenever possible is key to securing an optimal outcome. Ewing Law Group, PC, works to strengthen your case by challenging questionable evidence, developing tailored defense strategies, and ensuring that all your rights are protected throughout the process.
Criminal charges carry significant consequences that can have a lasting impact on your life. The stakes are high, and a positive result depends on having a well-thought-out defense plan. You need to have knowledge of the law as well as the local legal system. Ewing Law Group, PC, focuses on individualized care and a quick turnaround to make sure your rights are protected, and you can move on from your charges as soon as possible.
If you or someone you care about is facing criminal prosecution, don’t wait to find a lawyer. Contact Ewing Law Group, PC to discuss the particulars of your case and begin creating a solid defense strategy.
No matter the charge, facing a criminal accusation can be an overwhelming experience. Whether it is an infraction, misdemeanor, or felony allegation, understanding the right course of action can be a daunting process. It is natural to contemplate what makes a strong or weak defense. You may even wonder: what is the weakest defense in a criminal case?
It is essential in such circumstances to have an experienced lawyer by your side. Ewing Law Group, PC has been serving the people of Sacramento for over twenty years with the highest standards of service. Our Sacramento criminal defense attorney can help build a vigorous defense on your behalf.
In California, there are three main categories of criminal offenses. These include infractions, misdemeanors, and felonies.
As soon as you are charged with a crime, you should begin building your defense. Once a report has been filed by police, it is likely charges will follow. Over 70% of adult charges submitted by police are pursued by the District Attorney’s Office.
A strong defense rests on showing reasonable doubt. The burden of proof lies with the prosecution, and they must demonstrate that their version of events leaves no doubt. This is a high burden of proof, and any good defense will work to instill doubt in the prosecution's case.
Common strategies to achieve this include challenging the evidence, the reliability of witnesses, and the narrative of events presented by the prosecution:
A defense relying on a weak or unsupported alibi is typically the most vulnerable strategy in court. Although a strong alibi can be highly effective, a weak alibi opens up several problems:
A: If you are facing criminal prosecution, you will naturally want to know if your defense is weak or not. In general, defenses that rely on weak evidence and hearsay are not winning strategies. The purpose of a defense is to create reasonable doubt regarding the charges, and if there is no tangible, exculpatory evidence or reliable witness testimony on your behalf, your defense may be weak.
A: There are many common defenses used when litigating criminal charges. However, reasonable doubt is probably used most often. The arguments presented by the prosecution and their supporting evidence must be so compelling that all other alternatives are left unconvincing. But, even if there is compelling evidence, a jury must acquit if there is any doubt as to the prosecution's version of events.
A: The lowest level of criminal offense is a misdemeanor. Because infractions are not considered criminal offenses, a misdemeanor – which is more serious – represents the lowest level of crime. Nevertheless, misdemeanors have lasting legal consequences and can result in fines and even jail time. In most cases, a misdemeanor charge will remain a part of your criminal record.
A: Relying too heavily on unreliable witness testimony is considered weak evidence for prosecutors. Attorneys know the peril of relying on witnesses with credibility issues such as inconsistent accounts or a lack of first-hand knowledge. If a prosecution depends on such testimony, it is likely that their other evidence and argument as a whole are weak, as well.
Whether you are facing misdemeanor or felony charges, Ewing Law Group, PC can offer you strategies and options. Our attorneys will give you the highest standard of defense and offer solutions. Contact us today and begin the process toward resolution.
