The Criminal Law Process From The Arrest to the Arraignment
Posted on: 21 July 2021
The criminal law process is something that the courts use to hold people accountable for crimes. If the police feel that you committed a crime, they can arrest you for it. If this occurs, you will have to walk through the criminal law process to settle the charges. If you are currently facing criminal charges, here is a guide to help you know what happens from the arrest to the arraignment hearing.
The Arrest Occurs
The police arrest people when they have enough evidence to assume that they committed crimes. The most important thing to know is that an arrest does not make you guilty. It simply means that the police think you committed a crime based on the evidence they have. When you get put in jail, you may have to stay there a while, or you might be able to get out sooner with bail. After getting arrested, you might want to start working on your case immediately by talking to a criminal law attorney.
The Release, if Applicable
When you speak to a lawyer, you can ask about getting out on bail if you have questions. The jail might tell you this information, too, but a lawyer can help you find a way out. If the court offers bail, you can pay it if you agree to the rules relating to bail. You can pay bail with cash or through a bail bond agent.
The Arraignment Hearing
The arraignment hearing is a court appearance that occurs within a few days of your arrest. If you are still in jail, the jail will transport you to the court. If you bailed yourself out of jail, you will need to make arrangements to be there. During this hearing, you will learn several things. First, you will hear the charges the court has against you, and you will also learn your rights. You will get the opportunity to state your plea, and you can also ask for a lawyer if you cannot afford one.
The Steps Afterward
After completing the arraignment hearing, you will have several more steps to complete before you finish your case. The steps that you take depend on your situation. You can accept a plea bargain if you want to or go through a trial. Your criminal defense lawyer can explain the differences and advise you about which one you should take. You should always listen to your lawyer's advice, as lawyers know the best routes to take in criminal cases.
Talk to a criminal law attorney if you have been arrested for a crime.
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