eople who face criminal charges need an experienced attorney. The criminal defense process is complicated and no one should go it alone. Sentence severity depends on whether one is facing a misdemeanor or felony. Misdemeanor sentences are not as severe as those for a felony. Additionally, misdemeanor procedures are held in a state’s lower court while felony charges are heard by the highest court. Examples of felony crimes include murder, armed robbery or drug trafficking. On the other hand, misdemeanors include shoplifting, disorderly conduct and some driving offenses.
Defendants should hire a Criminal Defense Attorney in Wichita KS before arraignment. Arraignment is really the formal beginning of the court process for both types of charges. The D.A. reads the charges against the Defendant aloud in court. Next, the judge asks the Defendant whether he or she is pleading guilty or not guilty. Further, the defense attorney files all necessary motions in the case at arraignment. To learn more, visit . The Criminal Defense Attorney in Wichita KS needs to make sure the defendant understands every step in the process. For example, the attorney may meet with the D.A. prior to the preliminary hearing. If the D.A. offers a plea bargain, the attorney must relay the offer to the client.
The judge listens to the evidence at the preliminary hearing. As a result, the judge rules whether the evidence is sufficient to proceed to trial. The judge bases the decision on whether there is probable cause to believe a crime was committed. Also, the judge must decide whether there is probable cause that the defendant committed the crime. A judge rarely dismisses a case at the preliminary hearing. In fact, the D.A. may add additional charges during the hearing. However, the defense attorney has an opportunity to question witnesses at this time. This is important because the defense may be able to ascertain the strength of the state’s case.
The last step before trial is a pre-trial conference. The defense states their version of the case and tries to poke holes in the state’s case. Further, plea bargains are formally discussed during the conference. Defendants need to make sure they hire the most experienced attorney possible.
