Acquittal vs. Charges Dropped in Fort Myers

An acquittal and a dismissal of charges both lead to the same general outcome for defendants in Fort Myers. In both situations, defendants can avoid criminal penalties and move on with their lives. That being said, these are two distinct concepts in the world of criminal law. What exactly is the difference between receiving an acquittal and having your charges dropped? This is something you might want to discuss with your Fort Myers and Naples criminal defense lawyer.

Acquittal Can Only Happen After a Trial

An acquittal can only occur after a criminal trial. If a case progresses to a trial, defendants typically aim for this outcome. An acquittal means that the court finds you “not guilty,” and you will not experience any of the penalties associated with your alleged crimes.

After your acquittal, your challenges with the criminal court are essentially over. Due to the Double Jeopardy in the Fifth Amendment of the United States Constitution, you cannot face a new trial for the same offense.

Prosecutors Drop Charges Before the Trial Begins 

In contrast, prosecutors drop charges before a trial even begins. In other words, they decide that it’s not worth pursuing a trial against you. They may do this due to insufficient evidence, constitutional violations, or other issues that make trials impossible.

This is the main difference between having charges dropped and achieving an acquittal. While an acquittal happens after a trial, prosecutors drop charges before a trial even begins.

Which Is Better: An Acquittal or Having Charges Dropped? 

Generally speaking, having your charges dropped is better than receiving an acquittal. This is because trials are stressful, time-consuming, and expensive. When prosecutors drop charges, you never have to go through this process.

That being said, you might still face charges for the same crimes later – even if prosecutors drop charges against you. They might find new evidence, and the problems that made the trial impossible might disappear. On the other hand, an acquittal triggers the Double Jeopardy Clause – making all future legal action impossible for the same alleged crimes.

Can Lawyers Help With Acquittals and Dropped Charges? 

Yes, lawyers can help you pursue acquittals – and they can also push to have your charges dropped. During a trial, your lawyer can represent you and show the court that you are not guilty. They can do this with compelling evidence, opening statements, cross-examinations, and much more.

Your lawyer can also convince prosecutors to drop your charges. For example, they might point out constitutional violations committed by your arresting officers. They might also cast doubt on the evidence laid against you, causing prosecutors to lose confidence in the strength of their case.

Can a Defense Attorney in Fort Myers Help Me Avoid Criminal Penalties? 

An experienced defense attorney in Fort Myers may be able to help you avoid criminal consequences. They may help you secure an acquittal, or they may push to have your charges dismissed. Whatever the case may be, you should always discuss your unique circumstances with your lawyer before moving forward. Continue this dialogue with The Foley & Wilson Law Firm today.

Sources: 

britannica.com/topic/acquittal

law.cornell.edu/wex/charges_dismissed#:~:text=In%20criminal%20law%20%2C%20charges%20are,evidentiary%20issues%20or%20plea%20negotiations.