What happens at a pre trial conference?
The pre trial is a face to face meeting where you sit down and speak to the prosecutor. The prosecutor is a trained lawyer on the side of the police and against you. Level the playing field and call criminal defense lawyer, Aaron J. Boria (734) 453-7806.
What is an arraignment?
All criminal offenses start out with a charging document, which can be a ticket or something referred to as the information. If you have been charged with a crime the court will schedule a time for you to appear and see either the judge or magistrate.
The first court appearance is called the arraignment. If you were issued a ticket and posted a bond or were released on a personal bond you will be given a date to appear for arraignment by the court. If you are not released then you will be held in jail until the judge can arraign you. Arraignment must be done without undue delay.
At the arraignment the judge will formally tell you what criminal charge you have been charged with, the maximum possible penalties, and that you have the right to have an attorney present at subsequent proceedings, and your constitutional rights.
Bond and bond conditions are often addressed at the arraignment. The goal of a bond condition is to keep the public safe. A typical bond condition in a DUI is not to drink, and in an assault case to stay away from the complainant.
What happens at a pre trial conference?
The pre trial conference is usually the second court appearance. A pre trial conference is generally your first opportunity to resolve the case. Your attorney will have an opportunity to speak with the prosecutor to see if the case can be dismissed, or if there is a deal available. If a dismissal is not available, there is no deal, or a deal you do not like then you have the option of setting the matter for trial.
It is not uncommon to have more than one pre trial. Often to resolve a case it may take several pre trial court appearances to come to a resolution.
What happens after a pre trial?
If the case is dismissed then you will not have to appear in court anymore and you are finished. If you take a deal or reduced charge then the next court appearance you have will be for sentencing. If the case was not dismissed and you did not take a deal then usually the next court date will be for trial.
Criminal Lawyer, Aaron J. Boria
Criminal Lawyer, Aaron J. Boria has represented hundreds of clients. Our results include dismissals, not guilty verdicts, and reductions. If you have been charged with a crime you need a criminal lawyer that will guide you through the court process while zealously defending you. Call (734) 453-7806 for a free consultation today!
