We will help you understand your charges, explore your options and present the best defense.
Before you can be arrested an officer must be reasonably sure you have committed a particular crime. More simply, they have to see you commit the crime, have an arrest warrant, or have other probable cause. The officer or magistrate must ensure you are read your Miranda rights, and specifically:
BailFor many crimes you can sign a promise that you'll show up in court at a later time.
If you're not released on your own recognizance, either a magistrate or a district court judge will set your bail within 48 hours of your arrest. You or someone you know will either have to pay the bail amount or arrange for a licensed bondsman to make bail.
ArraignmentAt your arraignment, a judge will present and read the charges against you in open court.
formally tell you about the complaint against you. If you're charged with a misdemeanor, you can then enter your plea. If you're charged with a felony, the judge still reads the charges, but you can't enter a plea. If the state decides to pursue the case, you'll have a second arraignment in circuit court and you can make your plea at that time. In general, you will either plead guilty, admitting to the crime, or not guilty. A not guilty plea does not mean you're claiming innocence. It just means that you're not admitting to having committed the crime.
Plea BargainingMost criminal cases never go to a jury trial. Normally either the case is dismissed, a deferred prosecution is offered, or some other type of plea bargain is negotiated between your attorney and the assistant district attorney prosecuting your case.
Indictment by a Grand JuryAfter a probable cause hearing the state will present evidence to a grand jury where you will not be present. Based on the vote of the grand jury your case will either end or proceed to a jury trial.
Going to TrialIn those instances where your case does go to a jury trial, it will be very similar to Law and Order on television. The ADA and your attorney will alternate presenting evidence and making arguments to the jury.
- Breaking and Entering
- Larceny
- Arson
- Assault
- Battery
- False Imprisonment and Kidnapping
- Homicide – crimes such as first and second degree, murder, and involuntary manslaughter, and vehicular homicide.
- Rape, statutory rape, sexual assault and other offenses of a sexual nature
- Probation Violations
- Drug Charges
Before you can be arrested an officer must be reasonably sure you have committed a particular crime. More simply, they have to see you commit the crime, have an arrest warrant, or have other probable cause. The officer or magistrate must ensure you are read your Miranda rights, and specifically:
- the right to remain silent
- the right to an attorney.
BailFor many crimes you can sign a promise that you'll show up in court at a later time.
If you're not released on your own recognizance, either a magistrate or a district court judge will set your bail within 48 hours of your arrest. You or someone you know will either have to pay the bail amount or arrange for a licensed bondsman to make bail.
ArraignmentAt your arraignment, a judge will present and read the charges against you in open court.
formally tell you about the complaint against you. If you're charged with a misdemeanor, you can then enter your plea. If you're charged with a felony, the judge still reads the charges, but you can't enter a plea. If the state decides to pursue the case, you'll have a second arraignment in circuit court and you can make your plea at that time. In general, you will either plead guilty, admitting to the crime, or not guilty. A not guilty plea does not mean you're claiming innocence. It just means that you're not admitting to having committed the crime.
Plea BargainingMost criminal cases never go to a jury trial. Normally either the case is dismissed, a deferred prosecution is offered, or some other type of plea bargain is negotiated between your attorney and the assistant district attorney prosecuting your case.
Indictment by a Grand JuryAfter a probable cause hearing the state will present evidence to a grand jury where you will not be present. Based on the vote of the grand jury your case will either end or proceed to a jury trial.
Going to TrialIn those instances where your case does go to a jury trial, it will be very similar to Law and Order on television. The ADA and your attorney will alternate presenting evidence and making arguments to the jury.
