Stay calm, do not resist, and exercise your right to remain silent. Politely request to speak with an attorney before answering questions. Anything you say can be used against you, so it’s important to have legal counsel as soon as possible.

Most likely yes. Even if you're innocent, the criminal justice system can be complex and intimidating. A defense attorney will protect your rights, ensure you're treated fairly, and can help build a strong case to prove your innocence.

Yes, in some cases. Charges may be dropped due to lack of evidence, procedural errors, or successful negotiations with the prosecution. An experienced attorney can evaluate your case and work to have charges dismissed early.

Not necessarily. Many cases are resolved through plea deals, alternative means or dismissed before trial. However, if it’s in your best interest, your attorney can take your case to trial and fight for a favorable outcome.

A plea deal (or plea bargain) is an agreement between the defendant and prosecution where the defendant agrees to plead guilty or no contest in exchange for a reduced charge, lighter sentence, or dismissal of other charges. Plea deals can help avoid the risks of trial, but they’re not always in your best interest. An experienced criminal defense attorney can evaluate the offer and negotiate the best possible outcome for your situation.

Yes, depending on the circumstances of your case and the jurisdiction, there may be alternatives to a traditional plea deal. Some of these include:

• Diversion programs: These allow eligible individuals (often first-time or low-level offenders) to complete certain requirements—like counseling, treatment, or community service—in exchange for having the charges dismissed or not formally filed.

• Stipulated Order of Continuance (SOC): This is an agreement between the prosecution and defense to pause the case for a set period. If you meet certain conditions (like staying out of trouble and completing court-ordered programs), the case may ultimately be dismissed.

• Deferred sentence: This involves entering a plea, but the court delays sentencing. If you successfully meet all conditions during the deferral period, the charge may be reduced or dismissed, and you may avoid a conviction.

• Dismissal: In some cases, charges may be dismissed due to lack of evidence, procedural issues, or successful pretrial motions. Dismissals can also sometimes result from successfully completing a diversion or deferred program.

Each of these options depends heavily on the facts of your case, your background, and the policies of the jurisdiction, prosecution and court. It's important to speak with an experienced criminal defense attorney to understand what options may be available to you.