Most people believe a criminal case begins when they go to court.
In reality, some of the most important decisions happen before charges are ever filed.
This is known as the pre-filing stage, and it can significantly impact whether charges are filed — and what those charges look like.
The pre-filing stage occurs after:
But before the District Attorney officially files charges in court.
During this stage:
In some cases, the prosecutor has not yet decided whether to file charges at all.
Once charges are filed, the legal process becomes more rigid.
Before filing, however, there may be opportunities to:
Early intervention can sometimes change the direction of a case entirely.
Can my case be dismissed during the pre-filing stage?
Technically, a case is not “dismissed” at pre-filing because it has not yet been formally filed.
However, it is possible for a prosecutor to decline to file charges after reviewing the evidence.
In practical terms, this means the case does not move forward.
While no outcome can be guaranteed, early legal advocacy may sometimes influence that decision.
It means the District Attorney is still reviewing the case.
This review process may include:
This is often a crucial window for strategic legal action.
Yes.
Many people wait until they receive a court date. By then, charging decisions may already be finalized.
Hiring counsel early may allow:
Early involvement can sometimes improve positioning before formal charges are set.
In some cases, yes.
A prosecutor may choose to:
These decisions often occur before court proceedings begin.
Even if you were arrested and released, the District Attorney still decides whether to file charges.
An arrest does not automatically mean formal charges will follow.
The pre-filing stage still exists after an arrest.
If you are under investigation or recently arrested, it is risky to assume the case will simply go away.
Silence from the District Attorney does not mean the matter is resolved.
Being proactive is often safer than waiting.
The pre-filing stage is one of the few times where a case may be influenced before it enters formal court proceedings.
Once charges are filed, options may become more limited.
Early strategy can make a meaningful difference.
If you are:
Contact Perliss Law Firm for a confidential consultation.
Early action during the pre-filing stage can help you understand your position and explore possible strategic options before formal charges are set.
"I personally was recommended to Sanford Perliss. My situation was dire. After our first meeting I Immediately felt relieved, I knew I was in good hands. He handled the case diligently and with the utmost professionalism. I don't know where I would be without the help of this man. Thank you Sandy, I will recommend you to anybody I know."
"I can’t thank Perliss Law Firm enough for their outstanding representation. I felt confident I was in good hands from the moment I walked into their office. They explained every step of the process regarding my case and made sure I was fully informed about my options. Perliss Law Firm is professional and cares greatly about their clients. Highly recommend!"
"Perliss Law Firm’s attorneys are extremely experienced and skilled。 They treated me with respect and were always available to answer any questions I had. I am extremely grateful and would recommend their firm if you’re looking for a dedicated and trustworthy defense team."
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