Criminal Defense Lawyers

A criminal case begins with a formal charge, typically by complaint, information, or indictment. The charging document identifies the alleged offenses and outlines the conduct the government claims supports them. Felony charges may be presented to a grand jury before an indictment is issued. Reviewing these documents early helps identify the elements the prosecution must prove, the known evidence, and any immediate deadlines.

An arraignment generally follows the filing of charges. At that hearing, the court confirms that the defendant has received the charging document, addresses the initial plea, and may consider bond or release conditions. Counsel can also begin requesting discovery and preserving issues that may affect the case.

After arraignment, the case moves through a series of pretrial stages. The parties exchange discovery, review reports and recordings, investigate witnesses, and evaluate physical or digital evidence. Depending on the facts, counsel may file motions to dismiss, suppress evidence, limit testimony, or resolve other legal questions before trial.

Pretrial hearings also give the court and the parties a structured opportunity to address outstanding issues. Negotiations may occur during this period, but any proposed resolution should be evaluated against the available evidence, possible defenses, sentencing exposure, and the client's priorities.

If the case is not resolved during the pretrial stage, it may proceed to trial. A criminal defendant is presumed innocent, and the prosecution must prove every element of each charged offense beyond a reasonable doubt. Trial preparation includes organizing exhibits, preparing witnesses, testing the admissibility of evidence, and presenting a coherent defense theory.

At trial, both sides may question witnesses and present admissible evidence. A judge or jury then determines whether the prosecution met its burden. If there is a conviction, the court proceeds to sentencing and considers the applicable law, the circumstances of the offense, the defendant's history, and any mitigating information presented by counsel.