My Friend Had a Similar Case. Can I Expect the Same Result?

If you’re facing criminal charges, it’s natural to compare your situation to someone else’s.

You may have heard:

• “My friend had the same charge and it got dismissed.”
• “They only got probation.”
• “It wasn’t that serious.”
• “You’ll be fine — I know someone who went through this.”

But in criminal law, every case is different — even when the charge sounds the same.

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Every Situation Is Fact-Specific

Two people can be charged with the exact same offense — for example:

• Domestic violence
• DUI
• Assault
• Drug possession

Yet their outcomes can be completely different.

Why?

Because prosecutors evaluate:

• The exact facts of the incident
• The level of injury (if any)
• 911 recordings
• Body camera footage
• Prior criminal history
• Witness credibility
• County policies
• The assigned prosecutor and judge

Even small factual differences can significantly change the legal outcome.

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What You Don’t See in Your Friend’s Case

When friends share their experience, they usually share the result — not the full legal story.

You may not know:

• What evidence existed
• What weaknesses were present
• What was negotiated behind the scenes
• Whether charges were reduced before filing
• Whether diversion programs were available
• Whether constitutional issues helped their defense

Most people are not aware of all the legal factors that influenced their own case.

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Sometimes People Leave Out Important Details

It’s also human nature to simplify or minimize a story.

Your friend may not be intentionally misleading you, but they may:

• Leave out aggravating facts
• Forget key evidence
• Misunderstand what actually happened legally
• Not fully explain prior history
• Not understand why they received a certain outcome

What sounds “similar” on the surface may be legally very different underneath.

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Same Charge Does Not Mean Same Evidence

For example:

Your friend may have had:

• No visible injuries
• No prior record
• No recorded statements
• A cooperative prosecutor

You may have:

• Recorded 911 calls
• Text messages
• Body camera footage
• Prior incidents
• Stronger evidence

Those differences matter — even if the charge is identical.

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The Legal System Does Not Operate by Comparison

Prosecutors do not decide cases based on:

“What happened to someone else?”

They decide based on:

• Evidence
• Law
• Procedure
• Policy
• Negotiation leverage

Your case will be judged on its own facts.

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The Right Question to Ask

Instead of asking:

“Will I get what my friend got?”

Ask:

• What does the evidence show in my case?
• What weaknesses exist?
• What legal defenses apply?
• What realistic outcomes are possible?

That is where experienced criminal defense representation becomes critical.

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Speak With an Experienced Criminal Defense Attorney

If you are wondering:

• “Will my case be dismissed like my friend’s?”
• “Is this a big deal?”
• “What are my chances?”

You need an analysis based on your specific facts — not someone else’s experience.

Contact Perliss Law Firm for a confidential consultation. We will evaluate your case carefully and provide a realistic, fact-based assessment tailored to your situation.