Criminal defense across Denton County and Collin County
Criminal Case Process - The Basics
940.483.8000
Understanding the criminal process from arraignment to appeal
This article was written with the defendant's thoughts, questions and next steps in mind.
It is the first step in learning the basics about the criminal justice process. What should the defendant expect at each stage of their case? How do the laws differ from state to state? What if the defendant is not happy with his attorney? How does the appeals process work? What will happen to the defendant? The answers to these questions, and dozens of questions like these, ensure in a clear and concise format, that the defendant has a solid foundation going forward.
The law may seem tricky at first glance – that is why the defendant has certain rights, the paramount one being the right to retain an attorney. The defendant is guaranteed the right to legal representation, whether the attorney is appointed for the defendant or the defendant hires a private attorney. Another important right is the right to present his case.
The right to a fair and speedy trial and the right to be provided a specific statement of the charges are two other very important rights of a defendant.
1. Right to counsel (attorney) 2. Right to cross examine and confront witnesses 3. Right to testify on one's own behalf 4. Right to remain silent 5. Right to a speedy trial 6. Right to use courts subpoena power to compel witnesses to testify 7. Right to a jury trial (in most cases) 8. Right of presumed innocence
Pre-Trial Conference (one or more)
Identification of strengths / weaknesses
Pre-trial motions issues of fact are decided
Probable cause that crime was committed and defendant was the one who committed it
Judge imposes sentencing after defendant has been convicted
Why clients call Tim Powers Law
- Free initial consultation
- Former prosecutor and former judge insight
- Aggressive defense in Denton and Collin County
- Call 940-483-8000
Tim Powers
940.483.8000
Understanding the criminal process from arraignment to appeal
This article was written with the defendant's thoughts, questions and next steps in mind.
It is the first step in learning the basics about the criminal justice process. What should the defendant expect at each stage of their case? How do the laws differ from state to state? What if the defendant is not happy with his attorney? How does the appeals process work? What will happen to the defendant? The answers to these questions, and dozens of questions like these, ensure in a clear and concise format, that the defendant has a solid foundation going forward.
The law may seem tricky at first glance – that is why the defendant has certain rights, the paramount one being the right to retain an attorney. The defendant is guaranteed the right to legal representation, whether the attorney is appointed for the defendant or the defendant hires a private attorney. Another important right is the right to present his case.
The right to a fair and speedy trial and the right to be provided a specific statement of the charges are two other very important rights of a defendant.
1. Right to counsel (attorney) 2. Right to cross examine and confront witnesses 3. Right to testify on one's own behalf 4. Right to remain silent 5. Right to a speedy trial 6. Right to use courts subpoena power to compel witnesses to testify 7. Right to a jury trial (in most cases) 8. Right of presumed innocence
Pre-Trial Conference (one or more)
Identification of strengths / weaknesses
Pre-trial motions issues of fact are decided
Probable cause that crime was committed and defendant was the one who committed it
Judge imposes sentencing after defendant has been convicted
The defense may request a higher court to change the lower court's decision.
Expungement is a legal term for sealing the criminal record
If you are seeking aggressive criminal representation by an experienced criminal defense attorney for your Denton County criminal case or arrest in Denton County, contact the offices of Tim Powers today. There is no charge or obligation for the initial consultation. 940.483.8000.
*Tim Powers is an attorney licensed to practice law by the Supreme Court of Texas. Nothing in this article is intended to be legal advice. For legal advice about any specific legal question you should directly consult an attorney.
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Key Constitutional Rights 1.
Right of presumed innocence Process of a criminal case MISDEMEANOR FELONY Arraignment Lower Court Bail Identity of defendant Arraignment Ascertain charges Bail Confirm attorney of record Identity of defendant Ascertain charges Pre-Trial Conference (one or more) Confirm attorney of record Plea negotiations Identification of issues Pre-Preliminary Hearing Identification of witnesses Plea negotiations Identification of strengths / weaknesses Identification of issues Identification of witnesses Trial (judge or jury) Identification of strengths / weaknesses Pre-trial motions issues of fact are decided Preliminary Hearing Sentencing Probable cause that crime was committed and defendant was the one who committed it Judge imposes sentencing after defendant has been convicted Upper Court Appeal The defense may request a higher court to change the lower court's decision.
Arraignment Bail Expungement Identity of defendant Expungement is a legal term for sealing the criminal record Ascertain charges Confirm attorney of record Pre-Trial Conference Plea negotiations Identification of issues Identification of witnesses Identification of strength/weaknesses Trial Pre-trial motions Issues of fact are decided Sentencing Judge imposes sentencing after defendant has been convicted Appeal The defense may request a higher court to change the lower court's decision.
Expungement Expungement is a legal term for sealing the criminal record If you are seeking aggressive criminal representation by an experienced criminal defense attorney for your Denton County criminal case or arrest in Denton County, contact the offices of Tim Powers today.
Collin County By Appointment Only 972-724-4820 230 East Hunt Street, Suite 101 McKinney , TX 75069
Collin County By Appointment Only 972-724-4820 7200 Dallas Parkway Plano , TX 75024
The information on this website is for general information purposes only.
Office locations
- Denton office: 215 West Oak Street, Denton, TX 76201
- McKinney office: 230 East Hunt Street, Suite 101, McKinney, TX 75069
- Plano office: 7200 Dallas Parkway, Plano, TX 75024