When you face criminal charges, one question usually comes first: “Do I have any real chance of getting this reduced—or even dismissed?” We hear that concern every day at Cates & Reed, PLLC, and we believe you deserve a clear, direct answer rather than guesswork or false hope. In one of our General FAQ videos, we address this head-on. The video doesn’t rely on drama or legal jargon. It explains, in plain language, what usually happens to criminal charges and when reductions or dismissals may come into play.
A straight answer to a tough question The video opens with the question most people are afraid to ask out loud: “Can charges be reduced or dismissed?” The answer in the video is as simple as it is powerful: “**Yes, they can, and oftentimes they are.**” We start there on purpose. If you or someone you care about faces charges, you want to know if there is any real room to move. The video gives that reassurance, but it does not stop there. It goes on to explain what that “yes” means in real life.
What really happens in most criminal cases One of the most important moments in the video comes when we explain how often cases actually go to trial: “**Most cases never go to trial. I would say 95% of cases don't.**” That simple line cuts through a lot of confusion. TV and movies focus on courtroom scenes, but real cases often play out very differently. In the video, we explain that when a case does not go to trial, it usually ends through negotiation: “**The ones that don't go to trial end up in some sort of a plea agreement most of the time.**” That does not mean you lose your options. It means the work your legal team does before that point can shape what those options look like.
When dismissals may come into play The part of the video many viewers replay is the discussion about dismissals. We make an important point: “**In rare circumstances, we are able to negotiate dismissals of cases. When we are able to show prosecutors their case really isn't very good.**” That line reflects how we approach criminal cases at Cates & Reed, PLLC. We do not treat a charge as the final word. We look closely at the facts, the evidence, and the way the prosecution built its file. When the evidence does not support the charge, that becomes a key part of the discussion with the prosecutor. The video closes this idea with a simple confirmation: “**So they can happen? Yes.**” It’s an honest answer. Dismissals can happen, but they are not routine. They connect to the strength of the evidence and the arguments presented.
How this FAQ reflects our values today This General FAQ video does more than answer one question. It shows how we choose to communicate as a firm. We believe in:
- **Clear, useful information.** We use plain language to explain what “reduced,” “dismissed,” and “plea agreement” mean in practice.
- **Realistic guidance.** We explain that dismissals are “rare” and that most cases end in some form of agreement, not trial. We aim to inform, not to impress.
- **A mindset that refuses to be average.** As Dwane Cates says, “If you do things like everyone else does, you will end up average. We do not strive to be average, we strive to be exceptional.”
This video reflects that mindset by focusing on building strong, fact-based arguments rather than simply accepting the first result on the table. When you watch the video, you see this approach in action. We talk plainly about percentages, possibilities, and limits. We respect your ability to handle the truth when it’s delivered with care and context.
Why this matters if you or a loved one faces charges If you find this page today, you may feel pressure, fear, or confusion. Our General FAQ video exists to help you move from panic to understanding. After you watch it, you should walk away with a few key takeaways:
- **Reductions and dismissals are real possibilities, not myths.** They depend on the details of each case and the strength of the evidence.
- **Most cases resolve through negotiation, not trial.** That is normal, not a sign you did something wrong by seeking a negotiated outcome.
- **The quality of evaluation and negotiation matters.** When someone carefully reviews the case and presents weaknesses in the prosecution’s file, it can affect how the case resolves.
We built our website, and this FAQ series, to give you that level of straight talk. We believe a positive and helpful experience starts with honest answers to hard questions.
Watch, reflect, then reach out for a conversation If you have not watched the video yet, take a moment to do that now. Listen for the key lines about the 95% of cases that do not go to trial, and the rare circumstances where dismissals may come into play. When you finish, think about how those ideas fit your own situation. Every case has its own story, its own facts, and its own path. A general FAQ cannot give you a personal legal opinion, but it can help you ask better questions and feel more prepared for the next step. At Cates & Reed, PLLC, we invite you to start that next step with a direct conversation. As Dwane Cates says, we do not aim for average. We aim for exceptional work grounded in clear communication and careful thought. If you want to talk about your case and your options, you can call us at (480) 864-3807.