Orange County Criminal Defense Lawyer

The Court Process

When you are charged or arrested for a crime, there is a certain process your case will go through.  You will need to appear in court, with an appearance date which will be set either through a citation at the scene of the crime or following your bail, or by receipt of an arraignment letter.  You must appear for this court date or risk an arrest warrant to be issued on you.  If you are already in custody following the criminal charge, you will be brought before a judge within 48 hours of your arrest, except on weekends and holidays.  When facing the court process, it is crucial to have a knowledgeable criminal defense attorney to represent you, as your future and freedom could be at stake.  At the Law Offices of Scott D. Hughes, you will receive individualized attention from someone who cares about your situation and will work hard to ensure you obtain the best possible outcome against your charges.

At this first court appearance, which is called your arraignment, you are notified of the charges and what your rights are.  You will plead guilty or not guilty during this arraignment.  Having your attorney already in place, someone who is familiar with the facts of your case is vital at this point.  Your defense lawyer can advise you as to the best legal strategy.  If you are in custody, a bail amount will be set and your attorney can assist with obtaining the lowest possible bail amount for you, or even request you are released on  your own recognizance, without having to pay bail.

Although you can plead guilty, our firm rarely finds it beneficial to someone to do so as many cases can be negotiated down to a lower charge or even dismissed if there is not enough evidence against you.

Following this step, your attorney can work with you to obtain all of the facts of the case and conduct a thorough investigation to uncover any factor that challenges evidence brought against you.  The prosecutor's office must provide all evidence they have against you during this period and depending on the circumstances, your legal counsel can recommend whether to enter a plea negotiation or proceed to a trial to fight your charges.

Fighting For Your Rights in Newport Beach

The court process can be confusing and complicated and requires a skilled  and dedicated attorney to protect your rights.  Attorney Scott D. Hughes has the experience and aggressiveness you need to pursue your case relentlessly, disputing any evidence brought against you.  In your free initial consultation, Mr. Hughes will provide you with an honest, straightforward assessment of your case in order to make the right decisions on the best legal option for you.  Contact our office today.

Contact the Law Offices of Scott D. Hughes for an experienced criminal defense lawyer who can help you through the court process.