Can a Defense Attorney Help Reduce or Dismiss Charges?
- Meason & Morris Law
- 3 days ago
- 7 min read
Being charged with a crime can be one of the most stressful moments in your life. You may be scared, confused, and unsure of what to do next. The thought of jail time, fines, or having a criminal record can feel overwhelming.
The good news is that you don’t have to face this alone. A defense attorney can make a huge difference in the outcome of your case. Whether you’re accused of a misdemeanor or a serious felony, a skilled defense attorney knows how to protect your rights and fight for a fair result.
But can a defense attorney really get your charges reduced—or even dismissed? The answer depends on many factors, including the details of your case, the evidence against you, and the strategies your lawyer uses.
In this blog, we’ll break down how a defense attorney works to challenge charges, find weaknesses in the case, and help you get the best possible outcome.
What Does a Defense Attorney Do?
A defense attorney’s main job is to defend your rights and make sure you are treated fairly in the legal system. From the moment you’re charged, law enforcement and prosecutors begin building their case against you. Without a lawyer, you could easily say or do something that hurts your defense.
A defense attorney steps in to protect you. They:
Review all the evidence against you.
Investigate how police handled your arrest.
Look for mistakes, missing information, or violations of your rights.
Talk to witnesses and gather facts that support your side.
Negotiate with prosecutors to reduce or drop charges.
Represent you in court and tell your story clearly.
In short, your defense attorney is your voice and your protector. They make sure your rights are respected and that you get a fair chance to defend yourself.
The Goal: Reduce or Dismiss Charges
Every criminal case is different, but most people charged with a crime share the same hope—to have the charges reduced or dismissed. Here’s what that means:
Charge reduction: Your lawyer convinces the prosecutor or court to lower the severity of your charges. For example, a felony could be reduced to a misdemeanor, or a DUI could be reduced to reckless driving.
Dismissal: The charges are completely dropped. You are no longer facing prosecution for that crime.
Both outcomes can help protect your record, your job, and your future.
How a Defense Attorney Works to Reduce or Dismiss Charges
There’s no one-size-fits-all strategy. A good defense attorney studies your case and builds a plan that fits your specific situation. Below are common ways lawyers fight to get charges reduced or dropped.
1. Challenging the Evidence
One of the most effective ways a defense attorney can help is by questioning the evidence against you.
For example:
Was the evidence gathered legally?
Did police follow proper procedures?
Were your rights violated during the arrest?
If the police searched your home or car without a valid warrant, the evidence they found could be ruled inadmissible, meaning the court cannot use it against you.
Even small mistakes by law enforcement—like failing to read you your Miranda rights or mishandling evidence—can make a big difference.
2. Questioning Witness Credibility
Witnesses don’t always tell the full truth, and sometimes they make mistakes. A defense attorney can challenge the reliability of witness statements by:
Pointing out inconsistencies in their story.
Showing bias or motivation to lie.
Finding contradictions with other evidence.
If your attorney can cast doubt on a key witness’s credibility, the prosecutor’s case becomes weaker.
3. Negotiating a Plea Deal
In some cases, the best way to reduce charges is through a plea agreement. A plea deal happens when your lawyer and the prosecutor come to an agreement before trial.
For example, your defense attorney might negotiate for:
A lesser charge in exchange for a guilty plea.
Reduced penalties, such as probation instead of jail time.
Dismissal of some charges if you complete certain requirements (like community service or counseling).
While plea deals aren’t right for every situation, they can help you avoid harsher consequences and move forward faster.
4. Presenting New Evidence or Alibis
Sometimes, new evidence can completely change a case. A defense attorney will work to find proof of your innocence or evidence that weakens the prosecution’s claims.
For example:
Surveillance footage that shows you weren’t at the scene.
Phone records that back up your alibi.
Witnesses who can confirm your version of events.
If strong evidence supports your defense, your attorney can push for the charges to be dropped entirely.
5. Proving Lack of Intent or Knowledge
Many crimes require intent, meaning the prosecution must prove you meant to commit the crime.
Your defense attorney can argue that:
You didn’t know what was happening.
You didn’t mean to break the law.
You made an honest mistake.
If the court agrees that intent wasn’t proven, the charges may be reduced or dismissed.
6. Showing Police Misconduct
If police officers acted improperly during your arrest or investigation, it can damage the prosecution’s case. Misconduct might include:
Using excessive force.
Lying on reports.
Failing to follow correct procedures.
Coercing a confession.
Your attorney can file a motion to suppress any evidence obtained through misconduct. Once that evidence is removed, the prosecution might not have enough to continue the case.
7. Filing Motions to Dismiss
A defense attorney can file legal motions asking the judge to throw out part or all of the case.
Common reasons include:
Lack of probable cause for arrest.
Insufficient evidence to move forward.
Violation of your constitutional rights.
When a judge grants a motion to dismiss, the case is often over before trial.
8. Highlighting Procedural Errors
Criminal cases must follow strict legal rules. If the prosecution or police fail to follow these rules, it can open the door for your defense attorney to challenge the case.
This could include:
Missing paperwork.
Incorrectly filed charges.
Missed deadlines.
Miscommunication between departments.
A strong defense attorney knows how to spot these errors and use them to your advantage.
9. Building a Strong Defense Story
Every case tells a story. A defense attorney works to make sure your side of the story is heard clearly. They build a narrative that makes sense to the judge or jury.
That might mean showing that:
You were acting in self-defense.
You were wrongly accused.
You were in the wrong place at the wrong time.
A powerful defense story helps people understand your situation, creating reasonable doubt about your guilt.
10. Seeking Alternative Programs
For some first-time offenders, Oklahoma offers diversion programs or deferred sentences. These allow you to complete specific requirements—like community service, counseling, or rehab—instead of going to jail.
Once the program is finished, your charges may be dismissed or your record may be cleared.
A defense attorney can help you qualify for these programs and work with the court to ensure you get a second chance.
Common Types of Cases a Defense Attorney Handles
Defense attorneys represent clients in many types of criminal cases, including:
DUI/DWI: Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Drug Charges: Possession, distribution, or manufacturing.
Theft or Burglary: Taking property without permission.
Assault and Battery: Physical altercations or threats of violence.
Domestic Violence: Conflicts between family members or partners.
White-Collar Crimes: Fraud, embezzlement, or forgery.
Weapons Charges: Illegal possession or misuse of firearms.
Each of these cases requires a unique defense strategy, but the goal remains the same—protect your rights and reduce or dismiss charges whenever possible.
The Value of a Defense Attorney
Hiring a defense attorney doesn’t just give you legal help—it gives you peace of mind. Here’s why having one matters so much:
They understand the system. Attorneys know how local courts, judges, and prosecutors operate.
They protect your rights. A lawyer ensures that you’re not taken advantage of during questioning or trial.
They handle the details. Legal paperwork, filings, and court appearances are done correctly and on time.
They reduce stress. Facing charges alone can be terrifying. A defense attorney guides you step-by-step through the process.
They can save your future. Reduced or dismissed charges mean fewer long-term consequences, such as difficulty finding work or housing.
What to Expect When Working with a Defense Attorney
If you’ve never worked with a lawyer before, you may not know what to expect. Here’s how
the process usually works:
Consultation: You meet with your attorney to explain your situation and review your charges.
Case Review: Your lawyer gathers evidence, talks to witnesses, and examines police reports.
Defense Plan: Together, you develop a strategy based on your goals—whether it’s dismissal, reduction, or trial defense.
Negotiation: Your lawyer talks with the prosecutor to explore plea deals or reduced charges.
Court Representation: If your case goes to trial, your attorney presents your defense in court.
Resolution: The case may end in a dismissal, plea agreement, or verdict.
Throughout the process, your defense attorney keeps you informed and helps you make smart decisions.
What If the Charges Can’t Be Dropped?
Even if your charges can’t be completely dismissed, a skilled defense attorney can still make a big difference. They might:
Negotiate a reduced sentence.
Help you avoid jail time through probation or community service.
Work to expunge your record later.
The goal is always to lessen the impact of the charges as much as possible.
Why Choose Meason & Morris Law
At Meason & Morris Law, we understand how frightening it is to face criminal charges. Our experienced defense attorneys have helped clients across Oklahoma navigate tough legal battles and achieve better outcomes.
We take the time to:
Listen to your side of the story.
Explain your options in simple terms.
Build a strong, personalized defense.
Fight hard to protect your rights in and out of court.
Whether you’re facing a misdemeanor, a felony, or are under investigation, we’ll work tirelessly to reduce or dismiss your charges and help you move forward.
Final Thoughts
Being charged with a crime doesn’t mean you’re guilty—and it doesn’t mean your life is over. With the help of an experienced defense attorney, you can protect your future, challenge unfair evidence, and fight for a second chance.
At Meason & Morris Law, we believe everyone deserves a fair defense and a voice in the courtroom. If you’re facing criminal charges, don’t wait. The sooner you speak with a lawyer, the better your chances of success.
Contact Meason & Morris Law today to schedule a confidential consultation. Let us help you take the first step toward protecting your rights and securing your future.
Meason & Morris Law is a legal firm led by seasoned attorneys Marty Meason and Chris Morris. We provide a professional experience for all our clients, helping them navigate their legal rights. We focus on Criminal Justice Law (felonies and misdemeanors), Divorce and Family Law, Expungement and Felony Law, Probate Law and also have Trial experience. Serving Washington County, Nowata County, Osage County, Rogers County, Payne County, Pawnee County, and Kay County in Oklahoma.
Meason & Morris Law
515 Delaware Ave
Bartlesville, OK 74003
918-336-6300
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