Important Things You Should Know
Legal Process
and
Court Procedures
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
“Discovery” refers to the process where both the prosecution and the defense exchange information and evidence related to the case. The prosecution has a legal obligation to disclose to the defense any evidence they possess that could be relevant to proving the charges against you. This typically includes police reports, witness statements, forensic evidence, and other documentation. We will thoroughly review all discovery materials to assess the strengths and weaknesses of the prosecution’s case and build our defense strategy accordingly.
If you are found guilty after a trial or enter a guilty plea, the Judge will typically order a Pre-Sentence Investigation (PSI). This involves an investigation into your background, circumstances, and the offense. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the PSI is completed. At the sentencing hearing, the Judge will review the PSI, consider the applicable laws and potential penalties, and hear arguments from both the prosecution and the defense before imposing a sentence.
Following an initial consultation to understand the details of your situation, we typically provide a flat fee quote for our criminal defense representation. The specific fee will depend on factors such as the level and number of charges, the complexity of the case, and the anticipated scope of work involved. We will clearly outline the fee structure and payment options during our initial discussion.
A pretrial hearing is a meeting typically involving the Prosecutor and your defense attorney, and sometimes the Judge. The purposes of a pretrial hearing can include discussing the possibility of a plea agreement, addressing any legal challenges to the evidence (such as motions to suppress evidence obtained unlawfully), and potentially setting a trial date if the case is not resolved through a plea.
A criminal record documents your arrests, charges, and convictions. This information is often accessible through background checks conducted by employers, landlords, educational institutions, and others. Having a criminal record can significantly impact your future opportunities, potentially affecting your ability to secure employment, obtain housing, travel internationally, and even impact certain personal relationships.
Yes, our firm can assist you in exploring your eligibility for expungement (the destruction of a criminal record) or record sealing (making a criminal record inaccessible to the public). Contact us today to discuss your past criminal history and determine if you meet the legal requirements for these processes.
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