When you have been charged with a criminal offense it is natural to be concerned about the process and outcome of the charges. To ease your concern, it can help to know what your lawyer will be doing during the pretrial stages. This is where communication is key and staying informed during the process is important. You will want to know the status of your case at all times. You will want a lawyer who will prepare you on the process and steps moving forward. Here are the basics to the pretrial phase:
First you will expect to appear in court for your initial hearing. This is where you will enter your plea of not guilty. This is also where the judge decides whether to grant bail.
Once you have entered your plea of not guilty, discovery will begin. This is where your lawyer will request all of the prosecutor’s evidence against you. There will also be a pretrial investigation to assist with your defense. This includes speaking with witnesses, obtaining videos and photographs, etc.
Pretrial motions will be filed by your attorney if they believe there is evidence that should not be admissible at trial. This can happen if evidence was obtained during an unlawful search.
Lastly, plea negotiations can be offered at any time during the pretrial period. This is a chance to resolve the case early on in the proceedings.
In situations where you have been charged with a criminal offense it is vital that you hire an attorney that is experienced in handling the type of charges filed against. You will also want an attorney that provides you with a high level of communication and keeps you up to date on your case.
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You should always consult with an attorney to discuss the details of your case before making any legal decision. The outcome of an individual case depends on a variety of factors unique to that case. Case results do not guarantee or predict a similar result.