Exploring Your Legal Options After Being Charged with a Crime

When you’re facing a criminal charge, the future feels uncertain. In Washington State there are a wide range of possible outcomes for criminal cases, each shaped by the specifics of the charges, evidence, and negotiations.

Unlike what you might see on TV, cases just don’t end in dramatic courtroom showdowns; instead, they are resolved through careful legal maneuvering and negotiation or a trial ruled by strict procedure.

Here’s what you need to know about the potential outcomes of a criminal case in Washington State.

questioned by police

1. Dismissal with Prejudice

The best-case scenario for a defendant: the charges are dropped, and the case cannot be refiled. Dismissals with prejudice often occur when:

  • A judge finds insufficient evidence to proceed.
  • Witnesses fail to appear at trial, and the prosecution cannot proceed without them.
  • A jury or judge returns a verdict of "not guilty" after trial.

This outcome permanently closes the case, leaving the defendant free from the threat of prosecution.

2. Dismissal without Prejudice

In this situation, the charges are dismissed, but the prosecutor retains the right to refile them at a later date. This often happens when:

  • Key witnesses are uncooperative or unavailable.
  • The prosecution needs more time to gather evidence but cannot hold the case open indefinitely.

While this is a positive short-term result, the possibility of refiled charges means the case isn’t entirely resolved.

3. Plea Agreement

A plea agreement is one of the most common resolutions to a criminal case. In this negotiated deal:

  • The defendant pleads guilty to a reduced charge or receives a lighter sentence in exchange for avoiding trial.
  • In some cases, the charge may be amended to avoid specific designations, such as domestic violence (DV), which carry additional penalties like mandatory treatment or loss of firearm rights.

This option allows both the defense and prosecution to avoid the uncertainty of trial while resolving the case efficiently.

4. Deferred Prosecution or Diversion Programs

For eligible defendants, Washington State offers programs that allow charges to be dropped after completing specific conditions, such as:

  • Treatment programs for substance abuse or mental health issues.
  • Community service or restitution to victims.
  • Remaining crime-free during a specified period.

Deferred prosecution can be an excellent option for those who qualify, as it avoids a conviction and allows for a fresh start once the terms are met.

5. Stipulated Order of Continuance (SOC)

An SOC is a type of agreement where the case is put on hold while the defendant fulfills specific requirements, such as:

  • Attending treatment or counseling.
  • Complying with no-contact orders.
  • Meeting reporting or monitoring obligations.

If the defendant meets these conditions, the charges are dismissed. However, failing to comply can result in the case being reactivated.

6. Conviction

A conviction occurs when a defendant:

  • Pleads guilty.
  • Is found guilty after a trial.

Convictions can have serious consequences, including:

  • Jail or prison time.
  • Fines and court fees.
  • Probation or community supervision.
  • Loss of rights, such as firearm possession or voting.

Even after conviction, there may be opportunities to reduce the impact, such as sentence reductions, appeals, or motions to vacate.

7. Acquittal

An acquittal is a finding of "not guilty" by a judge or jury after trial. This outcome means the prosecution failed to meet its burden of proof beyond a reasonable doubt. An acquittal closes the case – forever - and the defendant is free from further legal consequences related to the charge.

8. Vacated Conviction

A conviction can sometimes be vacated (set aside) after it has been entered. This is not an automatic process and typically requires:

  • Showing that legal errors or new evidence undermines the validity of the conviction.
  • Meeting specific eligibility criteria, such as completing the sentence or probation period.

A vacated conviction restores certain rights and removes the record of conviction from public view, although it may still exist for law enforcement purposes.

9. Sealed or Expunged Records

While not technically an outcome of the case itself, sealing or expunging records can significantly impact a defendant’s future. In Washington:

  • Sealing limits access to records but doesn’t erase them entirely.
  • Expungement(technically vacating) removes non-conviction data, such as arrest records.

These options are typically pursued after the case is resolved to protect privacy and reduce the long-term impact of criminal charges.

10. Alternative Resolutions

In some cases, unique circumstances may lead to creative or alternative resolutions, such as:

  • Restorative justice programs.
  • Civil compromise for minor offenses like property damage or theft.
  • Prosecutorial discretion to decline charges in the interest of justice.

These resolutions are less common but can be pursued with a skilled attorney’s guidance.

Navigating Your Options with Knauss Law

Every criminal case is unique, and the right strategy depends on the charges, evidence, and your personal circumstances. At Knauss Law, we work tirelessly to explore every possible resolution, from fighting for dismissals to negotiating favorable plea deals or advocating for alternative programs. If you’re facing criminal charges in Washington State, contact us today to discuss your case and take the first step toward a better outcome.