Getting charged with a crime is scary and can change the course of your life forever. Everyone has the right to legal representation and a fair trial under the law, and it’s important to fight your charges in court if you hope to avoid conviction. Understanding how Sacramento’s criminal court process works can help you prepare for your case.
At Crowell Law Offices, our attorneys have taken many cases through the criminal court system. A Sacramento criminal defense lawyer from our team can assess your situation and use evidence to build a strong argument in your defense. We’ll work hard to reduce or dismiss your charges so you have a second chance at freedom.
There are many steps that take place before trial, and, with the right attorney, you may be able to avoid trial altogether. You’ll likely enter a not guilty plea during your arraignment, which will begin the pretrial process. During the pretrial process, your lawyer can negotiate on your behalf and try to convince the prosecuting attorney that you made a mistake.
There are various court appearances, motions, exchanges of evidence, and plea bargains that can occur during the pretrial process. If the pretrial process is successful, you can have your charges reduced or dismissed in this phase and avoid sitting in front of a jury.
If you were charged with a felony, you must go through with a preliminary hearing. The court performs a preliminary hearing to ensure that there’s sufficient evidence for a trial to stand in court. The judge will assess the initial evidence in your case and determine whether there’s enough probable cause for a jury trial.
If your misdemeanor or felony case makes its way to a jury trial, you and your lawyer must prepare accordingly. Not only will you need to prepare evidence to support your case, but you’ll also want to prepare your presentation of this evidence. Although your lawyer will do most of the speaking on your behalf, you may need to testify.
A jury trial will include a jury selection, opening statements by both attorneys, presentation of evidence, closing arguments, jury deliberation, the verdict, and final sentencing.
Criminal court can be intimidating, and you likely want to avoid it if at all possible. If you have to go to court, it’s important to have an experienced attorney by your side; that way, you’ll feel supported through the process. Even if you don’t have high hopes for your case, it’s essential to fight your charges and work hard to avoid conviction. If you don’t fight, you’ll likely receive the maximum sentence.
Our team at Crowell Law Offices will do their best to make the court process easy for you. If you’d like to discuss your charges with a Sacramento criminal defense lawyer from our team, call 916-303-2800 to schedule a no-obligation consultation or visit our website for more information.
Crowell Law Offices represent clients throughout Northern California with local offices in Sacramento, Placer and Yolo Counties, California. Our personal injury firm defends people who've been injured by another's negligence: auto accidents, brain/spine injuries, child injuries, catastrophic injuries and wrongful death cases.... View full business profile here: Crowell Law Offices
