By Jessica Murray
Getting arrested can be a daunting and terrifying experience. When you are arrested, the authorities may lead you off in handcuffs and take you to the police station, but the process doesn’t stop there.
After being arrested, you’ll find that the months that follow will be filled with meetings with lawyers, legal talk and court hearings.
After an arrest, the law enforcement agency provides reports and evidence to the prosecuting attorney, who then decides whether or not charges should be filed, according to the Bail Resource Center & Career Academy.
In the situation that charges are pressed, the prosecuting attorney files a complaint with the court to present the allegation against a criminal defendant at a court hearing, otherwise known as an arraignment.
At the arraignment, the defendant is informed of the charges against them and their rights.
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Bail is used by the court as insurance that the defendant will appear on all future court dates, and the bail amount is determined according to the charge/s based on the current bail schedule.
Many defendants choose to use bail bonding companies like All American Bail Bonds in Santa Clarita to post bail because it allows them to pay a small amount of the required bond — 10 percent in the state of California –, and the bail agent posts a surety bond on the defendant’s behalf.
The judge determines whether there is enough evidence to support the charges at a preliminary hearing, and it is during this time that the judge can adjust the bail amount to an appropriate amount.
Related: Bail Bonds In Santa Clarita: Finding A Convenient Way To Post Bail With Surety Bonds
The defendant is now permitted to enter a plea such as guilty, not guilty, or no contest.
Afterwards, the defense attorney and prosecuting attorney discuss the case at a pre-trial conference.
During the trial, the jury determines whether the defendant is innocent or guilty. If the defendant is found not guilty, they are free to go and excused from further criminal prosecution based on the same offenses, but if they are found guilty they must face sentencing at a court hearing.
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