trac
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Okay here is what happens and the law in the defense getting evidence before the charge - it doesn't happen - there is a charge then arraignment - then read below when the defense gets evidence - Baez is grasping - any thoughts? ahhh didn't think so
Arraignment
The arraignment in a felony trial follows the same process as in a misdemeanor trial. Bail and identity are established, charges are ascertained and the attorney of record is confirmed. An arraignment is a virtual formality prior to trial. Very few cases are dismissed at arraignment.
Pre-Preliminary Hearing
This involves a meeting between prosecution and defense. Topics discussed in most states include plea bargain opportunities, strengths and weaknesses of the prosecutions case, and intangible factors of the case, such as the defendant's character and past history.
Preliminary Hearing
At the preliminary hearing the judge determines whether sufficient evidence exists to send the case to the upper court for trial. The judge reviews 1) Whether there is probable cause to believe a crime was committed. 2) Whether there is probable cause to believe the person in front of the court is the one who committed the crime. Rarely does a judge overturn the prosecution and dismiss the case. In fact, the prosecution or judge can add additional charges to the case at this hearing. The length of a preliminary hearing varies by state. It may last three hours. It may last three questions.
Six things to expect at the preliminary hearing:
Preliminary hearings are shorter than trials.
The preliminary hearing is not a finding of fact.
The goal of a preliminary hearing is to screen the prosecution's case.
The prosecution is only required to show "probable cause" at the preliminary hearing.
The preliminary hearing will be conducted in front of a judge. No jury will be present.
Although the defendant may be held to answer for trial, that does not mean the defendant is guilty.
Neither the prosecution or defense will present their whole cases; they want to save their case strategies for the trial.
Cross examination of police officers or witnesses may occur.
Superior Court Arraignment
The defendant is arraigned and pleads guilty, not guilty or no contest. At the arraignment, the identity of the defendant is confirmed, bail is established, charges are ascertained and an attorney of record is confirmed.
Pre-Trial Conference
The pre-trial conference is a formal setting where plea bargaining occurs. The prosecution may offer alternative sentencing. The charge may be changed to a lesser charge. The number of felony counts may be dropped. A lesser punishment for the
same charge may be agreed upon.
Expectations at the pre-trial conference:
The defense presents a legal case on behalf of the defendant.
Further discovery takes place.
Factual and legal evidence is established.
Debate over sufficient evidence occurs.
Review on whether the facts are sufficient occurs.
Strengths and weaknesses of witnesses are examined.
Issues with the evidence are submitted.
Sample motions the defense attorney can file at a pre-trial conference:
Suppress evidence
Dismiss information and complaint
Compel discovery
Sever counts
Speedy trial
Modify or reduce bail
Bill of particulars
Reduce charges
Change of venue
Strike a prior conviction
Preserve evidence
Examine police file
Arraignment
The arraignment in a felony trial follows the same process as in a misdemeanor trial. Bail and identity are established, charges are ascertained and the attorney of record is confirmed. An arraignment is a virtual formality prior to trial. Very few cases are dismissed at arraignment.
Pre-Preliminary Hearing
This involves a meeting between prosecution and defense. Topics discussed in most states include plea bargain opportunities, strengths and weaknesses of the prosecutions case, and intangible factors of the case, such as the defendant's character and past history.
Preliminary Hearing
At the preliminary hearing the judge determines whether sufficient evidence exists to send the case to the upper court for trial. The judge reviews 1) Whether there is probable cause to believe a crime was committed. 2) Whether there is probable cause to believe the person in front of the court is the one who committed the crime. Rarely does a judge overturn the prosecution and dismiss the case. In fact, the prosecution or judge can add additional charges to the case at this hearing. The length of a preliminary hearing varies by state. It may last three hours. It may last three questions.
Six things to expect at the preliminary hearing:
Preliminary hearings are shorter than trials.
The preliminary hearing is not a finding of fact.
The goal of a preliminary hearing is to screen the prosecution's case.
The prosecution is only required to show "probable cause" at the preliminary hearing.
The preliminary hearing will be conducted in front of a judge. No jury will be present.
Although the defendant may be held to answer for trial, that does not mean the defendant is guilty.
Neither the prosecution or defense will present their whole cases; they want to save their case strategies for the trial.
Cross examination of police officers or witnesses may occur.
Superior Court Arraignment
The defendant is arraigned and pleads guilty, not guilty or no contest. At the arraignment, the identity of the defendant is confirmed, bail is established, charges are ascertained and an attorney of record is confirmed.
Pre-Trial Conference
The pre-trial conference is a formal setting where plea bargaining occurs. The prosecution may offer alternative sentencing. The charge may be changed to a lesser charge. The number of felony counts may be dropped. A lesser punishment for the
same charge may be agreed upon.
Expectations at the pre-trial conference:
The defense presents a legal case on behalf of the defendant.
Further discovery takes place.
Factual and legal evidence is established.
Debate over sufficient evidence occurs.
Review on whether the facts are sufficient occurs.
Strengths and weaknesses of witnesses are examined.
Issues with the evidence are submitted.
Sample motions the defense attorney can file at a pre-trial conference:
Suppress evidence
Dismiss information and complaint
Compel discovery
Sever counts
Speedy trial
Modify or reduce bail
Bill of particulars
Reduce charges
Change of venue
Strike a prior conviction
Preserve evidence
Examine police file