What if I'm not guilty?
Asked by: Kacey Kihn | Last update: February 9, 2026Score: 4.3/5 (36 votes)
If you're not guilty, you plead "not guilty," which triggers a court process where the prosecution must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt in a trial, but you need a lawyer to navigate the system, build your defense (alibi, evidence), and protect your rights, as being innocent doesn't always guarantee an acquittal, and speaking with police or prosecutors without counsel can harm your case.
What happens if I plead not guilty?
If you plead not guilty, you deny the charges, and the prosecution must prove your guilt "beyond a reasonable doubt" at a trial, triggering further court dates like pre-trial conferences where evidence is exchanged and potential settlements discussed, ultimately leading to a trial by judge or jury if no agreement is reached, with the possibility of a harsher sentence if convicted after trial compared to an earlier guilty plea.
What happens if you go not guilty?
Pleading not guilty
If you plead not guilty your case will go to trial. At a trial, the prosecution will have to prove that you are guilty of the offence and will present evidence to the court. This may include calling witnesses to testify.
Is not guilty better than dismissed?
While both are great outcomes, an acquittal ("not guilty" verdict) is generally considered stronger because it's a final declaration of innocence after a trial, while a dismissal stops the case without ruling on guilt and might allow refiling unless it's "with prejudice" (permanently closed). An acquittal means the prosecution failed to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt; a dismissal means the case ended for other reasons, like insufficient evidence or procedural issues, but doesn't formally declare innocence, though it avoids conviction.
Can you be charged but not guilty?
Yes, you can absolutely be charged with a crime but not convicted, which happens when charges are dropped, dismissed, you're found not guilty at trial, or you complete a diversion program, but these arrests can still appear on background checks unless sealed or expunged, affecting jobs and licenses, though federal law limits reporting non-conviction arrests after seven years for some roles.
You're supposed to plead NOT GUILTY (even if you did it).
What is the lowest criminal charge?
The lowest criminal charge is typically an infraction, also called a petty offense, which is less serious than a misdemeanor and generally results only in fines, not jail time, with common examples being traffic violations like speeding tickets. Some states have even lower "noncriminal" violations (like petty misdemeanors or summary offenses) for minor infractions such as jaywalking or minor code violations, which don't always create a formal criminal record.
How much evidence is needed to be charged?
To charge someone, police need probable cause (a reasonable belief a crime occurred and the person did it), a lower standard than for conviction, which requires proof beyond a reasonable doubt (near certainty of guilt). Charges can start with just a witness statement or officer observation, but for conviction, prosecutors need strong evidence like testimony, forensics, or consistent circumstantial evidence to prove guilt, not just suspicion, to a judge or jury.
Is it worth it to plead not guilty?
Not guilty pleas allow your attorney more time to investigate and challenge the evidence against you. You can still negotiate a plea deal later on – and if the prosecution's case is unsuccessful, you'll be acquitted and avoid conviction.
What is the hardest case to win in court?
The hardest cases to win in court often involve high emotional stakes, like crimes against children or sexual assault, where jurors struggle with bias; complex, voluminous evidence, such as white-collar fraud; and defenses that challenge societal norms, like an insanity plea, which faces high scrutiny and conflicting expert testimony. Cases with weak physical evidence, uncooperative witnesses (like in sex crimes), or those involving unpopular defendants (e.g., child abusers) are particularly challenging for defense attorneys.
Can not guilty be overturned?
Because the Not Guilty verdict cannot be overturned, and because the jurors cannot be punished for their verdict, the law is said to be nullified in that particular case.
How often do people get found not guilty?
In 2016, out of 1.2 million people tried, only 1,039 were found not guilty - an acquittal rate of around 0.08%. In 2013, the conviction rate reached 99.93%, with 825 people acquitted out of 1.16 million people put on trial.
How to prove you're not guilty?
As discussed, you do not have to prove your innocence. In fact, under the law, you are innocent until you are proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. So, the most productive thing you can do to help your case is to provide all possible evidence to weaken the prosecutor's case against you.
Why does everyone plead not guilty?
By pleading not guilty, the defendant exercises their right to a trial, during which the prosecution must prove their guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. If the jury or judge finds the defendant not guilty, they are acquitted of the charges, and the case is closed.
Can you confess and still plead not guilty?
A confession is powerful, but it is not conclusive evidence. The courts demand other evidence to confirm or verify what has been admitted. If no other evidence points to what you have confessed to, you cannot be found guilty.
Does pleading not guilty mean you are free?
Pleading Not Guilty: This choice denies the charges and exercises your constitutional right to force the government to prove your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Pleading "not guilty" is the only legal avenue available to fight for a full acquittal or a complete dismissal of charges.
What happens if they plead not guilty?
When you plead not guilty, you deny the charges, triggering the legal process where the prosecution must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, typically leading to a pre-trial conference to discuss evidence and potential plea deals, followed by a trial if unresolved, where a judge or jury decides the case. This plea preserves your rights and gives you time to build a defense or negotiate, with potential outcomes including case dismissal, a negotiated plea bargain, or proceeding to trial for a verdict.
How to easily win a court case?
Whether you represent yourself or hire an attorney, there are things you can do to ensure a good result in your case.
- Find the Right Court. ...
- Litigate for the Right Reasons. ...
- Mediate Instead of Litigate. ...
- Communicate With Your Attorney. ...
- Be Willing to Negotiate. ...
- Follow Court Procedures. ...
- You'll Need a Good Lawyer.
What is the stupidest court case?
We all know the most famous frivolous lawsuit story. Stella Liebeck sued McDonald's back in 1992 when she spilled hot coffee on herself. "But coffee is meant to be hot" we all cry. Dig a little deeper into the case however and it starts to look less frivolous.
Does Gen Z like true crime?
Yes, Generation Z is a huge demographic for true crime, consuming it heavily through streaming, podcasts, and social media platforms like TikTok, driven by curiosity, a desire for control and closure in a chaotic world, preparedness, and the ability to engage with stories through online communities. They often watch for understanding, safety tips, and the shared experience of amateur sleuthing.
When to plead not guilty?
A plea of not guilty means that you are denying the charge(s) and are demanding that the state prove the allegations at trial “beyond a reasonable doubt.” You should plead not guilty if you wish to contest the charges and have a trial.
What is the hardest thing to prove in court?
The hardest things to prove in court involve intent, causation (especially in medical cases where multiple factors exist), proving insanity, and overcoming the lack of physical evidence or uncooperative victims, often seen in sexual assault or domestic violence cases. Proving another person's mental state or linking a specific harm directly to negligence, rather than underlying conditions, requires strong expert testimony and overcoming common doubts.
Is it better to go to trial?
Trials inherently involve more risk and unpredictability but provide the possibility of full compensation if your evidence is strong and well-presented. Settlements offer quicker, guaranteed resolutions but may require accepting less than your maximum potential recovery.
What is enough evidence to convict?
To secure a criminal conviction, the prosecutor must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the accused is guilty of criminal charges. In a criminal case, direct evidence is a powerful way for a defendant to be proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
How do lawyers decide to take a case?
The lawyer will weigh the risks versus the potential rewards of the case. They will consider the likelihood of winning the case against the costs and time involved in pursuing it. Some of the costs involve media coverage, poor publicity, and other factors.
Are text messages enough evidence to convict?
Texts Can Be Used as Evidence
Text messages can be strong evidence if they follow specific rules. First, the message must be real and clearly linked to your phone or account. Second, it must be related to the case. Finally, it must be collected in the right legal way, usually through a proper request or warrant.