What Percentage of Criminal Cases are Dismissed?
Criminal cases are often complex and emotionally charged, with the outcome affecting the lives of individuals and families. One crucial aspect of the criminal justice system is the dismissal of cases, which can have a significant impact on the accused, the victims, and society as a whole. But how often do criminal cases get dismissed? In this article, we’ll delve into the statistics and explore the reasons behind case dismissals.
What Percentage of Criminal Cases are Dismissed?
According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS), in 2018, 14.6% of felony cases and 21.4% of misdemeanor cases were dismissed. This translates to:
- 1 in 7 felony cases being dismissed
- 1 in 5 misdemeanor cases being dismissed
While these numbers may seem alarming, it’s essential to understand the reasons behind case dismissals and the implications they have on the criminal justice system.
Why are Criminal Cases Dismissed?
There are various reasons why criminal cases get dismissed. Some of the most common reasons include:
• Lack of evidence: Insufficient or unreliable evidence can lead to the dismissal of a case. This can be due to various factors, such as:
- Witnesses refusing to testify
- Physical evidence being destroyed or lost
- New evidence emerging that contradicts the prosecution’s case
• Prosecutorial discretion: Prosecutors may decide to dismiss a case if they believe the evidence is weak or if they deem it’s not in the best interest of justice. This can be influenced by factors such as: - The severity of the crime
- The defendant’s criminal history
- The victim’s willingness to cooperate
• Legal technicalities: Dismissals can also occur due to legal technicalities, such as: - Improper arrest or search procedures
- Failure to provide a speedy trial
- Inadequate notice to the defendant
• Plea agreements: In some cases, defendants may agree to plead guilty in exchange for a dismissal or reduced charges.
The Impact of Case Dismissals
The dismissal of criminal cases can have significant consequences for all parties involved. Some of the potential impacts include:
• Injustice: The dismissal of a case can be seen as a miscarriage of justice, especially if the defendant is deemed guilty.
• Systemic inefficiencies: Dismissed cases can lead to delays and inefficiencies in the criminal justice system, wasting resources and time.
• Victim’s experience: Victims may feel frustrated and disappointed if their case is dismissed, leading to a sense of injustice and lack of closure.
• Defendant’s life: A dismissed case can have a significant impact on a defendant’s life, potentially affecting their employment, education, and future opportunities.
Table: Top 5 Reasons for Case Dismissals (BJS, 2018)
| Reason | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Lack of evidence | 34.6% |
| Prosecutorial discretion | 26.4% |
| Legal technicalities | 15.1% |
| Plea agreements | 10.4% |
| Insufficient indictment | 4.5% |
Conclusion
The dismissal of criminal cases is a complex and multifaceted issue. While 14.6% of felony cases and 21.4% of misdemeanor cases were dismissed in 2018, it’s essential to understand the reasons behind these dismissals and their impact on the criminal justice system. By examining the data and exploring the factors that contribute to case dismissals, we can work towards creating a more efficient and just system that ensures the rights of all parties involved are respected.
Sources:
- Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS). (2018). Felony Sentences in State Courts, 2018.
- Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS). (2018). Misdemeanor Cases in State Courts, 2018.
Note: The statistics mentioned in this article are based on 2018 data, which is the most recent available from the Bureau of Justice Statistics.
