Temecula Criminal Defense Lawyer

If you are facing criminal charges in California, you may be wondering what the future may hold. That is why it is imperative to understand the criminal process.

The following are the stages of the criminal process in California:

• Investigation – Many criminal cases start with the police witnessing someone allegedly violate the law and then arresting them. In other cases, the police will conduct an investigation on a person who is suspected of criminal behavior. Criminal investigations include executing search warrants, interviewing witnesses, and even reaching out to the suspect for questioning.

• Arrest – Whether you are arrested for committing a suspected offense in front of the police—after obtaining probable cause—or you are issued an arrest warrant, an arrest involves being taken into custody until your case is heard in court. You will be read your Miranda rights before being questioned by police.

• Arraignment – The first formal court appearance is known as the “arraignment.” The judge will read the charges against you and explain your available constitutional rights. You will also have the opportunity to enter a plea in your case, whether it’s guilty, not guilty, or no contest.

• Bail – The court may conduct a bail hearing during the arraignment. Bail and bail bonds refer to the money that is posted with the court in exchange of you attending all your court appearances. Most arrestees will be released without having to pay bail, unless you are charged with a serious or violent felony.

• Pretrial phase – If you enter a “not guilty” please and you resolved the issue of bail, you enter the pretrial process, which consists of court appearances, motions (i.e., requests for the judge to take a certain action, such as a motion to suppress evidence), discovery (i.e., exchange of evidence related to the case), as well as negotiations and plea bargains. If you are facing a felony charge, you may have to appear at a “preliminary hearing,” which is also known as a probable cause hearing.

• Jury trial – If your case is not resolved during the pretrial process, you will enter the jury trial phase. Twelve members of the community are chosen to hear evidence both for and against you and then decide if you are guilty or not guilty. The stages of a jury trial consist of jury selection, opening statements, presenting evidence and witness testimony, jury deliberations, and then the verdict.

• Sentencing hearing – If you are convicted, then you must appear at a sentencing hearing, in which both sides will explain what the appropriate sentence should be to a judge.

Additionally, one of the most important steps to take after being accused or arrested is to hire an experienced criminal defense lawyer. Attorney Grande can protect your rights, reputation, and freedom throughout each stage of the criminal process. He can keep you informed about your rights, shield you from police questioning, argue for the reduction of your bail, and help you obtain the most favorable outcome in your case, whether it is a plea deal associated with reduced charges/penalties or getting your entire case dismissed.