How can a defendant in a federal civil case avoid having the case go to trial? a. by entering a plea of not guilty b. by agreeing to a settlement c. by appealing the case's decision d. by building a case against the plaintiff

The answer is c by appealing the case decision Iam sorry if it’s wrong

The answer will be (B) - by agreeing to a settlement. 

A - if you enter a plea of not guilty then you will have a trail on why you believe you are not guilty, trying to prove your case in front of the judge and the jury. 

C - you could be found guilty of the charge, and you can at that time appeal the decision of the case as long as the DA approves of it, and then you will take it to trial and the same process as A.

D - building a case will be the starting of building evidence for the trial.

When you agree to a settlement set by you and the DA or other party, it will be taken before the judge and then signed off. This could be a settlement of property, money owed, etc. The case then will be dismissed. If  you cannot come to an agreement then you will have a trial.