Since even a misdemeanor conviction can affect various aspects of your life, it is always worth fighting criminal charges, regardless of their severity or potential penalties. Fortunately, there are many scenarios in which it is possible to negotiate for lesser charges or get the case thrown out. A criminal defense attorney will be watching out for the following signs. 

When Can Criminal Charges Get Reduced or Dropped?

1. Officers Fail to Follow Protocol

Police must follow specific procedures when interacting with individuals whom they suspect have violated the law. There is also strict protocol for conducting arrests. For example, cops must state the suspect’s Miranda rights before taking them into custody. If they fail to follow guidelines, that fact does not necessarily result in an automatic dismissal of the case; however, it impacts the admissibility of any evidence they gathered during the interaction, which could ultimately influence the severity of the resulting charges and any potential penalties. 

2. Suspects Are Willing to Cooperate

Depending on the circumstances of the arrest and the charges in question, the prosecutor may be motivated to negotiate with the suspect for a plea bargain. For example, someone who has been arrested for possession of a controlled substance likely has information regarding one or more local drug dealers. In such a scenario, the prosecutor may offer to reduce the charges if the suspect serves as an informant so local law enforcement can come down on the drug dealers in their community.   

3. A Conviction Does Not Result 

In some states, like Alabama, simply getting arrested will affect your criminal record, regardless of whether the charges ultimately result in a conviction. As of 2014, though, individuals who are not convicted can request to expunge their arrest record with the help of a defense attorney. This is especially beneficial if you were held on suspicion of committing a felony, as it impacts everything from career prospects to your reputation. 

If you are facing criminal charges in Alabama, turn to defense attorney Daniel H. Craven, P.C., in Gulf Shores, AL, for strategic counsel during every stage of the legal proceedings. He offers quality legal advice and aggressive representation to protect his clients’ rights, freedoms, and best interests. Visit his website to explore all his areas of expertise, or call (251) 968-8170 to schedule an initial consultation with the defense attorney today.