What Will My Attorney Do at My First Hearing After Being Arrested for a Crime in Boone County, Missouri?
The Legal System Can Be Complicated. Learn More About the Court Process With Haden & Colbert, Boone County’s Criminal Law Firm
When your first court date for a crime is scheduled, it’s normal to have a lot of questions. What will my lawyer do? What happens if I plead guilty or not guilty? Your first appearance, also known as an arraignment, should be treated as a priority, but the process can seem complex if you are unfamiliar with Boone County, MO courts. You should be informed of your rights with an experienced legal counsel. For a comprehensive review of the typical arraignment, follow along with Haden & Colbert’s criminal lawyers.
First, arrange a consultation with your Boone County criminal defense attorney
If you have been arrested for a crime in the Columbia, MO area, the next step is generally hiring an attorney to advise you. Oftentimes, clients discuss the details of the upcoming court date with their attorney or public defender beforehand. Your criminal defense lawyer will go over the events of the crime and arrest, explore your options for pleading guilty or not guilty, and a plan for moving forward after the first hearing. When the day comes, you should have your lawyer alongside you as the following proceedings occur.
The steps of your initial court date with a criminal lawyer
Reading the charges
At your arraignment, the judge will read out loud the charge (or charges) against you, as well as the penalty range for each crime. For example, the judge may claim a minor in possession or a DUI, which could both lead to license revocation. They will also inform you of your constitutional rights, including the right to stay silent. Keep in mind that making statements outside of your plea could possibly be used against you, so it’s important to choose your words wisely in the court with your attorney.
Entering a plea deal
The next phase of your first hearing is crucial; pleading guilty or not guilty. This choice will determine a lot of details for the future, and it can vary significantly from person to person. When the judge asks how you plead, you'll usually have one of two options.
If you decide to plead guilty, the case will be further discussed, and your sentencing may be announced to you. This option means you are admitting to the crime you are charged for, but it doesn’t always mean you’re stuck with a conviction on your record. In some plea deals, your attorney can request a lesser impact for the crime. This could include reducing the charge, opting for community service or training, or asking for a shorter sentence.
However, in many other cases with a criminal attorney, you can plead not guilty, which is essentially disagreeing with the charges put forth. From there, the court will arrange a future trial in which you and your lawyer will further the defense.
Learning about fines or punishments for the crime
The judge will tell you more about potential sentences and fines for the charge if you plead guilty. Crimes in Boone County, MO can have a range of consequences, whether it be $200 in fines or serving one year in jail. This is why it is so important to review your options before pleading guilty. The difference between a traffic ticket and a class D felony is too great to go without considering. You will then be informed of how you can pay your fines, if applicable to your case.
Your right to a trial in Boone County, MO
When pleading not guilty, the judge and attorney will work out a trial date, in which you will return to the court where your arraignment took place or request a jury trial with the presiding judge of the circuit court. The case ends if you are found not guilty, and if you are found guilty, you often have two choices. You can either accept the charges or appeal your case for another new trial.
Posting bail or other release conditions
You can be released pre-trial by paying the required bail amount by the court. In other scenarios, the judge may set a bond asking you to pay the court before returning for your next date. Other conditions that could be set by the judge include drug testing, orders to stay in Boone County, MO, or mandating restraining orders from certain people. This is often something your criminal attorney will negotiate with the municipal court.
Taking the next steps with your criminal lawyer
After your release is determined, the subsequent court date will be scheduled, and the time until then should be used to consult your attorney. Whether it’s a pretrial conference, an official trial, or a motion hearing, a practiced attorney will help you build a strategy for your plea as it continues. If your case concludes at the arraignment, you and your attorney will work out the closing steps.
What happens if I don’t appear for my first court date in Boone County, MO?
While dealing with your first court appearance can be incredibly stressful, you don’t want to miss the date without requesting a reschedule. If you fail to show up to your arraignment in the Columbia, MO area, the court could issue a warrant for your arrest, leading to an even deeper list of problems.
Choose Haden & Colbert to Represent You During Your Arraignment in the Columbia, MO Area
Are you facing a court date in Boone County? Reach out to the criminal defense attorneys at Haden & Colbert today. We have represented a plethora of cases and are ready to be your legal counsel. Discuss your charge with us by contacting the firm.
