5 Essential Tips For Your First Court Appearance
June 6, 2021
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Although being charged with a crime can be confusing and leave you with more questions than answers, the first thing to do is protect your rights. Know that there are seasoned and legal professionals experienced in representing clients charged with different types of crimes. Whether your case involves driving, accusations, drugs, etc., it is worth considering working with a criminal defense attorney as they can help you better understand your rights. Hardworking individuals can have a sudden lapse of judgment or find themselves in compromising circumstances where their innocence may need to be defended in a court of law. Criminal lawyers represent individuals in felonies, misdemeanors, violation offenses, and more.
Process After Arrest
Typically after an arrest is made, defendants will be arraigned before a magistrate judge, where they read any charges against the defendant and advise them of their rights. The defendant is charged with pleading guilty or not guilty, and, if necessary, a trial date is set for motion hearings. While taking an individual into custody, police will look to take statements and have the victim or witnesses identify the defendant. Also, officers may search for evidence or any items that connect the defendant to the crime. Once at the precinct, the police officers will proceed to book defendants and write up any arrest report or other forms that may be necessary.
Different Types of Criminal Charges
Most less serious crimes do not involve arrests and require defendants to report for arraignment on a specified date. There are usually three major offense classes: violations being the first tier, misdemeanors the second, and felonies, the most serious kind of violation. Drinking alcohol in public, possession of marijuana, and disorderly conduct are examples of violations. Shoplifting and trespassing are misdemeanors. Felonies are crimes that usually come with more than one year of imprisonment and potentially devastating consequences. These types of crimes can hamper job prospects and create many unforeseen difficulties in day-to-day life.
Working With A Criminal Defense Attorney
You may want to go over your case’s details with a lawyer that specializes in criminal defense. Depending on the specifics surrounding your situation you might be prohibited from certain activities, obligated to pay certain fees, and some kind of rehabilitation to complete. If you have been arrested or are facing arrest, you can call a criminal lawyer like The Law Office of Yan Katsnelson, P.C., licensed in New York and New Jersey. Criminal charges are a very serious matter and can result in painful emotional distress for all involved. And following through with court proceedings in our judicial system is more stress and complication than anyone needs. Do not hesitate to get expert legal help and let the professionals represent your interests. Regardless of your charges, hiring an attorney is the best way to understand your case and protect your rights.
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