For most people, the idea of being arrested for committing a crime is cause for a lot of anxiety. However, the more knowledge you have about the process, the more prepared and empowered you will feel in the event that this ever happens to you. Every state has its own set of rules and procedural expectations from law enforcement. At Kurtz, Peters, and Associates, we aim to educate our clients, giving them the tools they need to promote the best possible outcome.
From arrest to trial, there are many steps in the process of being charged with a Boca Raton crime. Continue reading to learn everything you need to know.
If you are arrested for a crime in Boca Raton, the arresting officer is obligated to read you your Miranda rights, providing you with essential information for your next steps. Subsequently, you will be taken to the local police station, where the charges against you will be explained. It is highly advisable, at this point, to seek the assistance of a reputable attorney, such as our lawyers at Kurtz, Peters, and Associates. Moreover, after arriving at the police station, the arrested person is permitted to contact loved ones or a bondsperson. Depending on the nature of the charges, officers may also conduct procedures like taking photographs or collecting hair samples that might be necessary to establish involvement in the alleged crime.
After being brought to the police station in Boca Raton, the next crucial step is the arraignment. During this process, you will be required to enter a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest to the charges against you. Your plea choice will determine whether your case proceeds to trial. Pleading guilty means a trial will not be necessary, and you will move directly to sentencing. To make an informed decision with the most favorable outcome, it is highly recommended to discuss your options with an attorney. For instance, opting to plead guilty often results in a lighter sentence compared to being found guilty after a trial by a judge and jury. Nevertheless, an experienced defense lawyer can potentially build a strong case that warrants going to trial.
If the defendant chooses to plead not guilty and proceed to trial in a criminal case, their attorney must undertake several crucial preparations to construct a strong defense. These preparations involve identifying and securing witnesses willing to testify in support of the defendant, crafting an opening statement and arguments, gathering relevant evidence, and carefully selecting twelve jurors deemed suitable to fairly assess the presented information. In the state of Florida, defendants also have the option to decide whether the final verdict regarding their guilt or innocence will be determined by a judge or a jury. In such a critical process, it is imperative for the defendant to have the guidance and representation of a reputable lawyer who can help them navigate these decisions and effectively present their case for innocence.
When an individual is convicted of committing a crime in Boca Raton, they will receive their sentence from a judge. If the individual and the court reach a plea agreement instead of going to trial, they will typically receive a lesser sentence. However, if the defendant goes to trial and is found not guilty, they will be relieved of all fines, probation, and other legal consequences related to the crime they were accused of.
By hiring an expert in Boca Raton crime, you can ensure that your case will have the best possible outcome. Contact us today to schedule a consultation with one of our skilled lawyers.