What Factors Impact How Long a Criminal Trial Will Last?

The length of a criminal trial is important when you are facing charges in New York. A long and drawn-out time frame can be discouraging and frustrating to endure. If you are facing criminal charges, it can be helpful to understand the various factors that impact how long your trial will last. Reach out to a Ramapo criminal defense attorney to discuss your situation and obtain experienced legal representation during your case.

How Long Does the Average Criminal Trial Last?

Every case and the evidence involved is completely unique. For this reason, it is impossible to say how long a trial will go on before the jury makes its final decision. The length of a criminal trial can vary significantly from case to case. Some may last only a few days, while others could extend to several months or even years.

According to the NCSC (National Center for State Courts), the average amount of time to disposition is 256 days for a felony case and 193 days for a misdemeanor case. While these are the averages in the United States, some cases could be resolved in just a few days or up to multiple months and years.

What Factors Impact How Long a Criminal Trial Will Last?

There are many factors that impact how long a criminal trial will last. If you are facing charges in New York, consider the following.

• The complexity of the case: How complicated the case is can significantly impact the time it takes to resolve. Minor offenses with straightforward evidence may only take a few days to resolve. In contrast, complex cases involving serious charges and detailed evidence require a thorough examination of each piece of information, which can extend the trial.
• The number of defendants: The amount of defendants and charges involved will impact the length of the trial. A case involving multiple defendants will last much longer than one with only one individual on trial.
• Witnesses: The number of witnesses called to testify can expedite the process or draw it out. Trials involving many witnesses and experts are often longer as it takes a lot of time to question each person in detail and cross-examine their testimony.
• Pre-trial motions: The steps before the trial even begins can also impact the time frame. Either side could petition legal motions to dismiss charges, suppress evidence, or make alterations to the jury or other details of the case. These motions could require several hearings and take time to deliberate.
• Court scheduling: The availability of the court and schedules of the judge, attorneys, and other legal staff can affect the duration of the trial. There could be delays due to the busy court system or scheduling conflicts, illness, unexpected emergencies, etc.

For more information on what you can expect during your criminal trial, reach out to an experienced attorney at the Law Office of Kevin T. Conway today.