Outcomes of a Criminal Case
A criminal case begins with a person being arrested and a charge filed against them by the State. Where your case can end depends on a lot of different factors which can lead to different outcomes. In Texas, there are various court outcomes that can have an impact on your record and your rights as an individual. It is important to know what options exist and if you are a good candidate for them. It’s important to speak to an experienced Criminal Defense lawyer in Houston who can explain these to you and help you understand.
Below are listed the outcomes that could occur during a criminal case.
Guilty
Being found guilty is the worst outcome that can occur during a criminal case. It means that the Judge found you guilty and has sentenced a term of confinement or fine. One can be found guilty either through trial or if the person pleads guilty before trial. If you are found guilty the Judge can sentence and fine you anywhere within the range of punishment for your crime. Please reference our Criminal Punishment Chart to understand the ranges of confinement/fine.
If you are found guilty, it will stay on your record and can be used against you in future court proceedings.
Probation
Probation also known as community supervision is an alternative to imprisonment. The Judge may place you on community supervision instead of ordering you imprisoned. While on probation you must report to the probation’s department and follow the conditions of probation. If you violate any of the conditions, the State may revoke (take away) your probation and imprison you. Being placed on probation is still a Guilty on your record, you just don’t do jail time.
Deferred Adjudication
Certain cases and situations sometimes avail themselves to Deferred Adjudication. When you get Deferred Adjudication, the Judge does not find you guilty and places you on community supervision instead. If you complete your community supervision without a problem then you will not have a conviction on your record. Instead it will show that you received Deferred Adjudication. One of the perks of Deferred Adjudication is that after a certain amount of time you can have it expunged (erased) from your record. This is a big advantage because employers and other people will not be able to see it.
Pre-Trial Diversion/Intervention
Some counties participate in Pre-Trial Diversion/Intervention (PTI) but it is up to the discretion of the District Attorney. PTI is a program that the District Attorney offers to candidates who do not have a criminal history and are people of good character. PTI is very similar to probation except it is before the Judge finds you guilty. It is an agreement the defendant makes with the State to not participate in illegal activities and stay away from trouble. If the defendant completes PTI program without any infractions, the State will drop the charges against you. Therefore it will not go on your record and you will be clean.
Whether you are placed in the following programs is a case by case scenario and your attorney should help navigate. Your criminal and work history are being factors to be considered to see if you apply for the following programs. If you are interested Contact Us to discuss your options or click here for a video explaining Criminal Court Outcomes.
