Being arrested and charged with a crime can be frightening and overwhelming. Suddenly, you are in the criminal justice system and faced with a dangerous and complex legal process. In this article, we will break down the stages of a criminal case and provide tips for navigating each step.

Arrest and Booking

The first step in a criminal case is an investigation. The second is an arrest and booking.

An arrest occurs when a law enforcement officer has probable cause to believe a crime has been committed. The person accused will be taken into custody. There may be a temporary detention before being taken to the Okaloosa County Department of Corrections (the county jail).

The booking process involves taking of fingerprints, photographs, and personal information. You will also be informed of your rights, including the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney.

Arraignment

After booking, you will be brought before a judge for an arraignment. This is where you will be formally charged with a crime and asked to enter a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest. It is important to have an attorney present at this stage to advise you on the best course of action.

Pre-Trial Proceedings

During the pre-trial stage, both the prosecution and defense will gather evidence and prepare their cases. This may involve filing motions, conducting depositions, and negotiating plea deals. This is where a skilled criminal defense attorney is critical. Your rights are protected and that the evidence against you is thoroughly examined.

Trial

If a plea deal cannot be reached, the case will proceed to trial. This is where the prosecution must prove your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Your attorney will present evidence and arguments in your defense, and the prosecution will present their case. A jury or judge will then determine your guilt or innocence.

Verdict and Sentencing

After the trial, the jury or judge will deliver a verdict. If you are found not guilty, the case will be dismissed and you will be free to go. If you are found guilty, the case will proceed to sentencing.

Sentencing after losing a criminal trial is dangerous. You may receive the maximum sentence. The judge will determine the appropriate punishment for your crime. Your attorney can advocate for a lighter sentence or argue for alternative sentencing options.

Signs That a Criminal Case is Weak

All criminal cases look bad at first. Arrest report probable cause statements are usually short and state someone is guilty. However, there  are several signs that a criminal case may be weak.

One type of weakness is a legal issue such a violation of rights related to search and seizure. These may include a lack of evidence or trustworthy witnesses. Also, errors in the collection or preservation of evidence, and any constitutional violations must be examined.

Believe the investigation, criminal allegations or case against someone is weak? Discuss this with your criminal defense legal team. Strength of case directly impacts settlement of criminal charges. You may have options for a dismissal or reduction of charges.

Okaloosa County Criminal Case Lookup

Facing criminal charges in Okaloosa County, Florida? You can use the Okaloosa County Criminal Court Case Lookup to track the progress of your case. This online tool allows you to search for your case by name, case number, or citation number.

Navigating a criminal case can be stressful. An experienced criminal defense attorney can increase your chances of a favorable outcome. Remember to exercise your rights and seek legal counsel as soon as possible.

If you’re facing criminal charges in Florida, trust Cobb Law Firm to aggressively fight for your rights. To get started, contact us online or give us a call at (850) 738-6153 today.

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