When accused of violating criminal laws and you face going to trial understanding the process that lies ahead is important. In this case, information is power and knowing what to expect will enable you to remain proactive in each step of the way. A competent The Woodlands TX criminal lawyer can defend you in court and ensure that the best possible outcome is achieved.
The criminal trial process has six main steps. Usually, the legal process gets into motion after an arrest. The police obtain an arrest warrant from a judge if you are accused and the evidence tabled shows that there is a likelihood that you committed a specific crime. Once you are arrested, you have a right to remain silent and request for your attorney.
After being charged, you need to attend an initial court hearing session. The judge not only has to explain your charges, but also your rights and the set bail amount. Your jurisdiction will determine whether an arraignment will be carried out during the hearing, where you can enter a no contest, guilty or not guilty plea.
The state has to create a case against you and it is during the preliminary hearing that they will table evidence to support their case. The next step is referred to as the discovery and pretrial phase where lawyers from both sides meet to share evidence and other important information about a case. During the pretrial, various motions can be filed, depending on the kind of information that is unveiled during discovery.
A reliable lawyer will work on ensuring that your case has the best chances of success from the instance you get arrested. The professional is therefore likely to file motions during pretrial and plead with the courts to dismiss certain charges or suppress specific pieces of evidence. If your chances of enjoying a favorable outcome are still futile after the pretrial, your attorney may recommend getting into a plea bargain.
The trial phase has various parts and the first is the opening statements. After this is the evidence presentation part, witness testimonials and then closing statements. Once you have completed these elements, the case could go to a jury for deliberation and they will later deliver their verdict. The final step of the trial is sentencing and this happens on a different date.
If you are found guilty of committing a crime, all is not lost. You still have the right to appeal and your attorney will ensure that all legalities are adhered to and all proper channels followed. It remains imperative to understand that a conviction can only be appealed if you plead not guilty.
The criminal litigation process is more complicated than most people assume. Even those that are sure of being innocent should not take for granted the need to have a legal advocate. For the best possible outcome, hire a seasoned attorney who has in the past handled both minor misdemeanors and serious felonies.
The criminal trial process has six main steps. Usually, the legal process gets into motion after an arrest. The police obtain an arrest warrant from a judge if you are accused and the evidence tabled shows that there is a likelihood that you committed a specific crime. Once you are arrested, you have a right to remain silent and request for your attorney.
After being charged, you need to attend an initial court hearing session. The judge not only has to explain your charges, but also your rights and the set bail amount. Your jurisdiction will determine whether an arraignment will be carried out during the hearing, where you can enter a no contest, guilty or not guilty plea.
The state has to create a case against you and it is during the preliminary hearing that they will table evidence to support their case. The next step is referred to as the discovery and pretrial phase where lawyers from both sides meet to share evidence and other important information about a case. During the pretrial, various motions can be filed, depending on the kind of information that is unveiled during discovery.
A reliable lawyer will work on ensuring that your case has the best chances of success from the instance you get arrested. The professional is therefore likely to file motions during pretrial and plead with the courts to dismiss certain charges or suppress specific pieces of evidence. If your chances of enjoying a favorable outcome are still futile after the pretrial, your attorney may recommend getting into a plea bargain.
The trial phase has various parts and the first is the opening statements. After this is the evidence presentation part, witness testimonials and then closing statements. Once you have completed these elements, the case could go to a jury for deliberation and they will later deliver their verdict. The final step of the trial is sentencing and this happens on a different date.
If you are found guilty of committing a crime, all is not lost. You still have the right to appeal and your attorney will ensure that all legalities are adhered to and all proper channels followed. It remains imperative to understand that a conviction can only be appealed if you plead not guilty.
The criminal litigation process is more complicated than most people assume. Even those that are sure of being innocent should not take for granted the need to have a legal advocate. For the best possible outcome, hire a seasoned attorney who has in the past handled both minor misdemeanors and serious felonies.
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