Process of a Criminal Trial

In the United States, a person is presumed to be innocent of the crimes which they are accused of committing until he or she has been proven guilty in a court of law. The process for dismissing or proving guilt is long and complicated. Many people are unclear about how exactly the process works and simply hope that they will never have to be involved in a case. However, knowing what is in store for you in the event that you have to go through a criminal proceeding can help you feel at ease.

If you are being charged with a crime, Austin criminal defense lawyer Ian Inglis has the experience and skill necessary to provide you with vigorous and passionately committed legal representation. He will fight for your rights and protect your freedoms. Contact Ian Inglis Attorney at Law at 512-472-1950 for a free consultation.

Criminal Proceedings

The process through which guilt or innocence of a crime is determined is called a criminal proceeding. In a criminal proceeding, the accused is tried in front of a jury. After a person is arrested, they are “booked” by the police, meaning their personal information is collected and filed. From this point on, having a lawyer present is of great importance.

After you are booked, it is time for the arraignment, where the defendant is presented with a formal accusation of their crime and may enter a plea. If the defendant pleads not guilty, the trial proceeds as follows:

• Preliminary Hearing - The judge determines if there is enough evidence for a trial
• Trial - The jury determines guilt or innocence
• Sentencing - The judge issues the sentence

Contact Us

As you can tell, the services of an attorney are needed very early on in the process, so there is no time to delay. If you have been charged with a crime, contact Austin criminal defense attorney Ian Inglis, with over thirty years of experience, by calling 512-472-1950 today.