A charge can be reduced or dismissed depending on the circumstance. An attorney will defend you by attempting to have the prosecution reduce or drop charges, as well as advise you on what is in your best interests.
Depending on the evidence possessed by the prosecutor, there is always an opportunity to potentially avoid trial, as the prosecution wants to proceed where there is the best chance for a conviction. In federal cases, settling the case and limiting sentencing exposure is a common goal for the defense.
Another possible opportunity to have a charge reduced is by your lawyer accepting a plea bargain. This happens often when there is sufficient evidence for the prosecution to achieve some degree of conviction in your case, but you’re able to plead for a lesser charge. This ensures both parties have a favorable outcome by avoiding the risk of trial and the severe sentences that can follow a conviction at trial.