When you’ve been arrested or accused of a crime, the first thing you’re going to want to do is hire a lawyer. A criminal defense attorney in Jacksonville FL such as one from Harris Guidi Rosner, P.A can help you to have the best defense possible through your case. While each case is different, it may help to know some of the steps you will be taking through the court process from start to finish.
- Arrest – This is the first step in a criminal case, and it’s very important that certain procedures are followed during your arrest. For example, the arresting officer must read you your rights before any questioning.
- Booking and Processing – After your arrest, you will be processed into the jail. You will be notified of the charges you were arrested for, and a bail amount will be set by a judge.
- Bonding Out of Jail – If you can afford the bail, you may be released until your court hearing. When you bail out of jail, make sure that you are aware of all the conditions of the bail, such as making sure you attend every court hearing.
- Pretrial Motions – Your lawyer may opt to prepare for your trial with pretrial motions. These are motions filed with the judge in charge of your case and can be anything from suppressing evidence to dropping the charges.
- Trial – Your court hearing will be before a judge and jury. The evidence for your case will be heard and you will be found either guilty or not guilty. If you are found not guilty, this is usually the end of the legal process for your case.
- Sentencing – If you are found guilty, you will be sentenced for your crime. The sentence can include jail time, probation, community service, fines, and more. Your sentence may also be a combination of these things.
If you have been arrested or accused of a crime, hire a criminal defense attorney Jacksonville FL today to help you through all these steps of the legal process.
