Understanding the Criminal Law Process Part 17 of 17 | Family Law Attorney Fort Myers/Naples Sentencing If you lose at trial, the judge will normally pronounce a sentence immediately for misdemeanors. For felony convictions, there may be a separate sentencing hearing. During that hearing evidence may be presented to argue for a harsher or less harsh sentence….
Understanding the Criminal Process Part 16 of 17 | Divorce Attorney Fort Myers/Naples Trial Sometimes you have to go to trial to present your story and get a fair outcome. But the fact is that going to trial is rarely a good decision for most people. The cost, stress, and stakes are at a peak. Going…
Understanding the Criminal Law Process Part 15 of 17 | Criminal Law Attorney Fort Myers/Naples Depositions If you decline to accept a settlement, or none has been offered, you will ultimately go to trial. Your attorney may choose to hold one or more depositions. A deposition is an excellent, but expensive way to prepare for trial. Victims,…
Understanding the Criminal Law Part Process Part 14 of 17 | Criminal Law Attorney Fort Myers/Naples Plea Deal A plea deal can be stuck at any time during the case, but is most often done during a pretrial hearing. That is a point where the prosecutor has not extensively prepared for the case and has motivation to…
Understanding the Criminal Law Process Part 13 of 17| Criminal Law Attorney Fort Myers/Naples Pretrial Hearing At the pretrial hearing the prosecutor and your attorney quickly discuss the case. In many counties the courtroom is packed with many other people awaiting their pretrial. Plea offers may be discussed, accepted or refused. The pretrial hearings are a…
Understanding the Criminal Law Process Part 12 of 17| Divorce Attorney Fort Myers/Naples Motion to Surpress There are situations where the police do not follow the law, or required procedures when collecting evidence. Some examples: improper search of your house, car, or person. Or seizure of confidential documents without a subpoena. During dui stops, there…
Understanding the Criminal Law Process Part 11 of 17 | Criminal Law Attorney Fort Myers/Naples Pretrial Intervention In some cases, depending on the level of the offense, you may be eligible for a Pretrial Intervention Program (PTI) or a Diversion Program. Many people that are first offenders, non-violent offenders, and that are on drug related…
Understanding the Criminal Law Process Part 10 of 17 | Criminal Law Attorney Fort Myers/Naples Early Resolution Some counties have an Early Resolution Program. An attorney working for the state reviews the case and where appropriate – brokers a deal with all the involved parties. The case ends early, with minimal time and cost. This is not…
Understanding the Criminal Law Process Part 9 of 17 | Criminal Law Attorney Fort Myers/Naples Discovery At the same time the entry of your plea is filed, your attorney may file a Notice of Discovery, and a Demand for Jury Trial. These are routine documents that are filed in the vast majority of cases. A Notice of Discovery…
Understanding the Criminal Law Process Part 8 of 17 | Criminal Law Attorney Fort Myers/Naples Formal Charges If the prosecutor feels there is sufficient evidence to win, they will file formal charges, also called an “Information.” The Information will list the exact charge they will be prosecuting. The charges that are listed may be more or less…
