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Getting arrested for a serious crime is always a harrowing experience. People typically hear a lot of instructions about how they should act when arrested. However, panic and apprehension can lead to mistakes that might worsen the case. It is always advisable to contact the lawyer as soon as possible after your arrest. Here are the stages of the criminal case that your lawyer will guide you through and get an acquittal or plea bargain. 

You Get Arrested

The law enforcement officers usually receive a complaint from a witness to a crime and respond by getting to the scene. To arrest you, they need a plausible cause or proof that you are committing a crime. Typically, they will recite for you your rights before the arrest. 

The arrest process can induce much anxiety within you, but you should try and remain silent to avoid giving information that might help the prosecutor build a case against you. Once they arrest you, they will book you. The court could grant you bail if you prove that you are not a flight risk and are not dangerous to the population. 

You Get Arraigned, and the Pre-trial Motion Starts

The government will use the jury indictment method or the preliminary hearing to bring the criminal charges. If you have committed a federal crime, they use the jury indictment method, where a panel of jurors listen to your defense and the evidence brought by the prosecutor, then give a guilty or not verdict. On the other hand, other crimes go through a preliminary hearing where you argue your case before a judge. The judge then determines probable cause. In this stage, you will need the lawyer because pre-trial motions often involve finding a resolution for all issues with the case and determining the admissible evidence in the actual trial.

You Get Tried and Sentenced

The judge and jury listen to the evidence presented and determine whether you are guilty or not. The prosecution gets a challenge here because they have to prove beyond a reasonable doubt you committed the crime. Your lawyer's responsibility is dismantling the evidence presented by the prosecutors. They do this by providing alibis or proving your motive wasn't malicious. The sentencing happens after the judge reaches a verdict.

The best way to handle criminal charges is by getting a competent criminal attorney involved. With their help, you can face the courts confidently and get a positive outcome.