In Riverside, criminal cases move fast. Prosecutors make offers early. And defendants are often pressured to take plea deals before fully understanding their options. While plea bargains can make sense in many situations, going to trial is sometimes the most powerful tool a defendant has.

As a criminal defense attorney, I’ve seen firsthand how the decision to go to trial can completely change the outcome of a case. Not every case should go to trial. But some absolutely should. And knowing the difference can mean the difference between years in prison and months of freedom.

Why Trial Is a Critical Part of Criminal Law in Riverside

Trial is the backbone of criminal law. It’s the moment where the government must prove its case beyond a reasonable doubt. In Riverside, prosecutors handle massive caseloads. Because of that, many cases rely on assumptions, shortcuts, or weak evidence.

When a case goes to trial, everything changes.

Witnesses must testify. Evidence must be challenged. And the prosecution must stand behind its claims. This pressure often exposes weaknesses that were hidden during early negotiations.

Without the real possibility of trial, prosecutors have little incentive to improve their offers. Trial keeps the system honest.

Plea Bargains Can Sometimes Hurt Defendants

Plea bargains are common in Riverside criminal cases. They can reduce risk. They can save time. And in some cases, they are the right choice.

But plea deals also come with real downsides.

They often require defendants to accept guilt. They can involve long prison sentences. And they are usually offered before the defense has fully investigated the case.

I recently represented a client who was offered three years in prison before trial. That was the prosecutor’s “best deal.” Had he accepted it, he would have gone straight to state prison.

Instead, we prepared the case for trial.

Going to Trial Can Lead to Better Outcomes

In that same case, my client chose to go to trial. And while trial always carries risk, it also creates leverage.

Once the case moved forward, the prosecution was forced to reassess. Evidence was challenged. Witness credibility became an issue. And weaknesses in the case became clear.

Even though the trial did not result in a full acquittal, the outcome was still dramatically better. My client received a resolution that kept him out in less than three months.

That’s a massive difference from three years in prison.

This doesn’t happen in every case. But it happens more often than people realize. Trial can force better offers. It can change negotiations. And sometimes, it’s the only way to avoid a harsh sentence.

When the Benefits of Trial Outweigh a Plea Deal

Going to trial is not about being reckless. It’s about strategy.

In some Riverside criminal cases, the evidence is weak. In others, police made mistakes. Sometimes witnesses are unreliable. Other times, the law simply isn’t on the prosecution’s side.

In those situations, the benefits of going to trial may outweigh the benefits of a plea bargain.

Trial can:

• Expose weak evidence
• Create negotiation leverage
• Reduce sentencing exposure
• Protect long-term consequences
• Prevent unnecessarily harsh penalties

That said, trial is not always the answer. Every case is different. And that’s why experience matters.

Why You Need an Experienced Riverside Criminal Defense Attorney

Deciding whether to go to trial is one of the most important choices in criminal law. It requires experience, preparation, and honest advice.

A good criminal defense attorney will not push you toward trial just to fight. And they won’t push you into a plea just to move on. They will evaluate the facts, the law, and the risks. Then they’ll give you a recommendation based on what’s truly best for you.

Sometimes, that recommendation is to take a deal. Other times, it’s to stand your ground and go to trial.

In Riverside, where the stakes are high and the system moves quickly, having the right guidance can change everything. If you’re facing criminal charges and wondering whether trial is the right move, reach out to Inland Empire Criminal Defense at (909) 939-7126. Our first consultation is free.