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Criminal law is complicated, and every case is different; however, there are a few basic stages that all cases pass through during the proceedings. If you are facing charges and want to know what will happen next, turn to O’Neill Law Firm, LLC in La Crosse, WI. A criminal defense attorney on their team will be happy to answer all of your questions regarding the criminal justice system, in general, and your case, in particular.

What Happens After You Have Been Charged With a Crime?

1. Initial Court Appearance

Regardless if you are facing charges for a misdemeanor or felony offense, you will have to attend an initial court appearance. During this proceeding, a judge will outline the charges and their potential penalties. If you have been accused of committing a misdemeanor, you must enter a plea at this appearance. A skilled criminal defense attorney will likely advise you to plea “not guilty.” Otherwise, you will not have the chance to fight the charges and will instead receive a sentencing right then and there.

2. Preliminary Hearing

criminal defense attorneyIf you are facing felony charges, a preliminary hearing will follow the initial court appearance. During the hearing, the prosecutor will attempt to convince the presiding judge that the case should go to trial. If the prosecutor succeeds, an arraignment will follow, and it is at this point that those facing felony charges can enter a plea.

3. Jury Trial

Suspects have the right to a jury trial regardless if they are facing misdemeanor or felony charges. If the jury, which will consist of 12 individuals, comes to a unanimous agreement regarding the verdict, sentencing will follow. It is important to note that if the prosecutor and defense attorney reach a plea agreement prior to trial, the judge does not necessarily have to honor it when sentencing the offender.

If you are facing criminal charges in La Crosse and want quality legal guidance during every stage of the proceedings, turn to O’Neill Law Firm, LLC. Because they practice in a variety of areas, you can turn to their legal team whether you need an aggressive DUI attorney or a compassionate family lawyer. To learn more about the various criminal defense services they provide, visit their website. You can schedule a free consultation with a strategic criminal defense attorney by calling (608) 519-3551. 

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