Crime changes no matter how serious the case is can make you feel like your world is ending. However, it’s important to know what to expect when dealing with criminal charges so that you will have an easy time handling the case. The other important things that you need to know is the laws that are related to your case. If you want to know these procedures and also your rights when you are charged with crime continue reading this article.
The first thing that will happen is the charges and booking. You might be arrested immediately or later since it depends with the reason for being charged. The officers should look for you so that you can be jailed following the judge issue of warranty for you to be arrested. Although the officers may not have a copy of a warrant for your charges to you should take one from the court so that you will be enlightened on what you are expected to answer in the court. Then, after that you will be taken to a local police department or jail where your fingerprints and mugshot will be taken. The next procedure involves a magistrate who is going to give you a bond or allow you to go fir until your next court hearing. When the magistrate allows you to go home on bond then there is no way you will go home if you haven’t paid the bond. However, to some people they are denied the bond due to the seriousness of the crime hence they have to remain in jail until when their case will be heard.
The court hearings is the other step that you will go to when you are charged with a criminal offense. When your court hearing is mentioned you should expect the judge to read your charges and you should defend yourself. Once your case is read the possible responses that you can have include being guilty, not guilty or no content. However, it’s good to involve a criminal lawyer who will advise you and explain to you the possible steps that the judge will take for either of your responses. If you didn’t commit the crime and you can prove it before the judge then you should plead not guilty and if it proved that you are not guilty then you will be charged less or nothing.
If you are guilty of your charges then you will be sentenced. You history has to be considered before you are sentenced. You will be given a light sentence if you have clean records with the court.