No. Many felony cases resolve without trial, even after an indictment is returned.

After indictment, several outcomes remain possible. In some cases, the prosecutor may dismiss the charge or reduce it — including reducing a felony to a misdemeanor. In others, a negotiated resolution may be reached that avoids trial altogether. When cases do proceed to trial, they are typically tried to a jury, though in limited circumstances a case may be tried to a judge if the State agrees to waive its right to a jury trial.

Meaningful outcomes at each stage are often achieved through preparation. Building a case as if it will be tried — through early investigation, motion practice, and evidence development — improves negotiation posture and protects long-term interests. Trial readiness is not about assuming a case will be tried; it is about ensuring that every available option remains viable.