What to Know About the Criminal Defense Process

According to the United States Courts, there was a 28% decrease in the number of combined filings in US district courts from 380,213 to 146,264 criminal defendants and civil court cases. If you've been accused of a crime, having the right attorney by your side can make a significant difference in the outcome. Continue reading to learn more about the criminal defense process.

Arraignment

After you have been arrested, you'll have to appear before a judge to be formally charged. You'll also be told if you will be granted bail at this time. If you're released, you will have to agree to appear at all scheduled and upcoming court dates. The judge and both the defense lawyer and the prosecutor will then review and confirm the date for the next court appearance for the case.

Discovery

This is the process that mostly occurs behind the scenes. Both parties have access to any information that's part of the discovery process. Your lawyer will gather evidence that confirms your innocence. They'll also work to discredit the evidence to be submitted by the prosecutor. During this time, your legal counsel may request different types of information from you. It's important to make yourself available to your legal team during this process and also provide timely and comprehensive responses to their inquiries.

Hearing and Trial

After the discovery phase is complete and both sides know what they're up against, the next stage will be the hearing and trial. Post-discovery, the prosecutor may approach your lawyer with an offer of a plea bargain. If the offer isn't accepted, the case will proceed to trial. Your lawyer will provide a lot of preparation for you before the trial. Be sure to follow their advice, no matter how inconsequential it might seem to you. It's true that your manner of dress and speaking, along with how you respond to questions, can affect the verdict.

If you need a criminal defense attorney, contact The Law Office of Arthur J. White III, P.C. With the right attorney fighting for you, you can expect a more favorable outcome. Call us today and schedule your no-obligation consultation.