If you or your loved one is being accused of a criminal offense, we understand that the process may be new to some. Here are the steps of a criminal case:
Investigation and Arrest
Arraignment: The judge will read the defendant their rights and explain their charges. The defendant will enter a plea at this time of either guilty, not guilty, or no contest.
Preliminary Hearing: They will decide if there is enough evidence to conduct a formal charge.
Plea Bargaining: The prosecutor, defense lawyer and police attempt to create an agreement resulting in the defendant's plea of guilty to fewer crimes and/or lesser crimes.
Trial (If the Plea is “Not Guilty"): The cases will be presented in front of a jury.
Verdict: The jury will decide if the defendant is guilty beyond all reasonable doubt.
Sentencing: If not guilty, they will be released. If guilty, sentencing is presented by the judge.