learn All You Can About Your Criminal Case

Facing a felony charge is a serious event. You have to be sure that you understand the implications of this so that you can determine what type of defense strategy you are going to employ. When you find out that you are the subject of a criminal case, you must get to work immediately.

One of the first things that you should do is find out the exact charge you are facing. This is how you can find out the criteria that the prosecutor has to prove in order for you to be convicted. It also lets you know what penalties you are facing. These are the backbones of your defense strategy.

Criminal matters are resolved in a few ways. One of these is that you will go through a trial before a jury. The jurors will listen to each side’s information and determine whether you are guilty or not guilty. If they find you guilty, you will move into the sentencing phase. If they say you are not guilty, your case is done.

The other option is a plea deal, which resolves the matter prior to the trial. The prosecution agrees to ask the court for a specific penalty in exchange for you entering a specific plea. This is only possible for individuals who admit they committed the crime at hand. You can’t enter into a plea deal and still maintain your innocence.

All of your defense options must be considered based on how they can affect your life. Think about long-term and short-term implications before you settle on a course of action.