When you’ve been arrested or accused of a crime, the first thing you’re going to want to do is hire a lawyer. A criminal defense attorney Knoxville such as one from The Law Offices of Andrew E. Farmer can help you to have the best defense possible through your case. While each case is different, it may help to know some of the steps you will be taking through the court process from start to finish.
Arrest – This is the first step in a criminal case, and it’s very important that certain procedures are followed during your arrest. For example, the arresting officer must read you your rights.
Booking and Processing – After your arrest, you will be processed into the jail. You will be charged with the crime or crimes you were arrested for an a bail amount will be set by a judge.
Bonding Out of Jail – If you can afford the bail, you may be released until your court hearing. When you bail out of jail, make sure that you are aware of all the conditions of the bail, such as making sure you attend every court hearing.
Pretrial Motions – Your lawyer may opt to prepare for your trial with pretrial motions. These are motions filed with the judge in charge of your case and can be anything from suppressing evidence to dropping the charges.
Court Hearing – Your court hearing will be before a judge and jury. The evidence for your case will be heard and you will be found either guilty or not guilty. If you are found not guilty, this is usually the end of the legal process for your case.
Sentencing – If you are found guilty, you will be sentenced for your crime. The sentence can include jail time, probation, community service, fines, and more. Your sentence may also be a combination of these things.
If you have been arrested or accused of a crime, hire a criminal defense attorney Knoxville today to help you through all of these steps of the legal process. They may also be able to help you with other things, such as appeals, if necessary.
