Inhaltsverzeichnis
Call CLEAR to find out if your county has any free legal services available. In King County, you can make an appointment for a free half-hour with a lawyer at a Neighborhood Legal Clinic. You can also contact your local bar association for more resources. Fill out all your paperwork before going in for your appointment.
- A case selected for argument usually involves interpretations of the U.
- Closing Arguments – After the prosecution and the defense have presented all of their evidence, each side may make closing arguments.
- At this point, the defendant’s attorney may ask for a judgment of acquittal.
- That person must not speak once they call your case.
The brief of the person filing the appeal contains legal and factual arguments as to why the decision of the trial court should be reversed. The person against whom the appeal is made has the right to respond to these arguments. At this point, the defendant’s attorney may ask for a judgment of acquittal. This means that the attorney is asking the court to decide the case in the defendant’s favor because the prosecuting attorney did not present enough evidence to prove the case against the defendant. If the judge agrees that there is not enough evidence to rule against the defendant, the judge rules in favor of the defendant, and the case ends. Trial – If the defendant pleads not guilty, a trial is held.
Courts
The judge hears testimony from the prosecution and the defense regarding the punishment that each side feels the convicted defendant should receive. Jury Deliberations – The jury goes to a special jury room and elects a foreman to lead the discussion. Jurors must consider all of the evidence presented, review the facts of the case, and reach a verdict. When the jury makes its decision, the court is called back into session. Arrest – A person is arrested by a law enforcement officer who either sees a crime happen or has a warrant for arrest when probable cause exists that a person committed a crime. When a person is arrested, the person must be brought before a judge for an initial appearance within 24 hours of being arrested or else be released.
What happens during a hearing?
A hearing test is performed in a sound proof room. You will wear headphones or earplugs connected to a device that sends sounds of different volumes and pitches to one ear at a time. You will be asked to respond by raising your hand or pressing a button each time you hear a sound.
Explain why the judge should approve each request you have made. When you speak to the judge, act respectfully and call him or her “your honor.” NEVER interrupt the judge. Click to see a handout which explains getting your evidence for court. Research and consider likely evidence issues that may come up. Write down the answers the other side gives to each request. DUI lawyer near me Attorneys who are admitted as members of the Supreme Court Bar may be seated in the chairs just beyond the bronze railing.
Court Proceedings in the Court of Common Pleas
Criminal jury trials and jury selection can only be viewed in-person. After they have reviewed the record, Court of Appeals judges may hear oral arguments from the attorneys before deciding the case and issuing an opinion. Instructing the Jury – After closing arguments in a jury trial, the judge reads instructions to the jurors, explaining the law that applies to the case. Jury members must follow these instructions in reaching a verdict.
For example, if you have a divorce case, you can ignore the suggestions about preparing to pick a jury. If you have a small claims case, you do not have to worry about the rules of evidence. So keep in mind that these are general suggestions and may not apply to every case. The session begins with the announcement of opinions - decisions in argued cases - followed by the swearing in of new members to the Bar of the Supreme Court. These sessions, which typically last minutes, are open to the public. A court reporter takes down everything said in the courtroom.
Frequently Asked Questions FAQ
If the defendant fails to appear as directed in the appearance ticket or the summons, the Court may issue a warrant for the defendant's arrest. If the defendant is "bound over" for trial, it is sent to the Grand Jury to decide whether to issue an indictment (written accusations of a crime against the defendant). If the Grand Jury indicts the defendant, the case is then sent to Superior Court for an arraignment and trial. Civil Trials are cases in which a corporation or individual files a lawsuit against another corporation or individual requesting the court award monetary damages.