The 3 Things To Expect When You’re Facing Criminal Charges

Getting charged with a crime can feel overwhelming and scary. But it’s important to remember that just because you’ve been charged doesn’t mean you’re guilty. Although the road ahead might seem tough, knowing what to expect can make things a bit easier. 

One of the most important steps you can take is finding a good criminal defense lawyer.  A knowledgeable attorney will be there to guide you through every part of the legal process, explain what’s happening, and fight for your rights. In this article, we will go over what you can expect if you’ve been charged with a crime.

1 – Understand The Charge

Criminal charges come in different levels, usually called misdemeanors and felonies. Misdemeanors are less serious, like small thefts or minor vandalism, and usually lead to lighter punishments. Felonies are more serious crimes, such as assault, burglary, or drug-related offenses, and can result in much tougher penalties if you’re convicted. 

This is why having a good lawyer is so important. The legal process can be confusing, especially if you’re not used to all the terms and procedures. An experienced lawyer, like those at Pringle Law Criminal Defence, can help you understand exactly what you’re up against, what could happen, and how to handle the situation.

2 – Initial Court Appearances

The first important appearance is the arraignment. This is your first time in court after being charged, where the charges against you are officially read out loud. You’ll also need to enter a plea. This is when you’ll say whether you’re guilty, not guilty, or, in some cases, no contest.

At the arraignment, the judge will also decide whether you can be released on bail. Bail is money you might need to pay to stay out of jail while your case is ongoing. 

After the arraignment, your case might go to a preliminary hearing or a grand jury, depending on what you’re charged with. In a preliminary hearing, the prosecution needs to show that there’s enough evidence to keep the case going. Your lawyer can challenge that evidence and argue on your behalf.

3 – Going To Trial

When your case goes to trial, it’s where everything finally comes together. This is the part where both the prosecution and your defense present their sides, showing evidence and calling witnesses to either prove you did the crime or to argue that you didn’t. 

The trial usually starts with opening statements. These are like the introduction, where both sides explain what they think the evidence will show. The prosecution goes first, laying out their case, and then your lawyer gets to do the same. After the opening statements, the prosecution presents their case. 

When both sides have finished presenting their cases, it’s time for closing arguments. This is the final chance for both the prosecution and your lawyer to talk to the jury, sum up the evidence, and argue why the jury should decide in their favor. The jury will then decide on a verdict