Top Rated Criminal Lawyer Yakima Discusses The Stages Of A Criminal Trial

By Linda Stone


If you have been charged with a criminal offense and you are facing trial, it will be crucial for you to get well acquainted with how the process works. It goes without saying that information is power and it will be necessary for you to be proactive on every step of the way. Due to the numerous complexities that revolve around criminal litigation, the importance of having a skilled attorney in your corner should not be underestimated. During research for the best criminal lawyer Yakima would be a good place to begin your hunt.

The first step will be getting arrested. An arrest puts the entire legal process in motion and a judge will issue an arrest warrant if there is a possibility that you committed a specific crime. After an arrest, you can choose to remain silent and at this point you can request to consult with your attorney.

Once you are officially charged, you will be scheduled to appear for an initial court hearing. The kind of charges you are facing will be explained by the sitting judge and he or she will also inform you about your rights, the bail amount and various other crucial aspects that ought to be addressed immediately. Depending on your jurisdiction, the initial hearing and an arraignment can be done at the same time, where you can enter a guilty or not guilty plea.

The preliminary hearing then follows, and the state will demonstrate the evidence and facts that support the charges made against you. While this is done administratively in some states, other states will do this through a formal court hearing. In Yakima, Washington, preliminary hearings are held in court.

Your attorney and the lawyer representing the individual accusing you have to share evidence through the discovery process. At this stage, crucial information about your case will be unveiled and the legal counsel will be allowed to file different motions during the pretrial process. The motions that are filed are typically based on the evidence and information that is made available. For example, the legal counsel can file a motion to get certain evidence dismissed or suppressed.

There trial process has multiple phases. After the opening statements are made, evidence is tabled and then witnesses are called upon to give their testimonies. The closing statements are then made before the task of delivering a verdict is officially put in the hands of the jury. The final element of any formal trial involves the sentencing stage.

Based on how your case unfolds, you could be found guilty or not guilty. In case you are found guilty of a specific crime, you will have the right to file an appeal. Your attorney will ensure that all legalities are honored and the proper channels are adhered to. You can make an appeal only if you had pleaded not guilty.

The need to work with a competent criminal attorney should not be underestimated. The expert will dispense invaluable guidance about each step of the process. The best part is that your attorney will stand as your legal advocate, ensuring that you have the best possible chances of enjoying a favorable outcome.




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