If you have been arrested or charged with a crime, you are likely feeling confused, nervous, scared, or some combination of these emotions. These feelings are natural. In many instances, people are alleged to be criminals based on actions they didn’t even know were illegal.
Not only have you been through a confusing process, but you are unsure about what to expect now. The following is a list-style overview of the criminal process. As you read further, if you have questions or concerns, I can answer any questions. More to the point, I would love to assist you in preparing a complete and unique defensive plan. I would love to represent you and help you forward confidently to your future!
The Criminal Justice Process
Investigation Phase
This is the current phase. The state actively gathers more evidence to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you committed the crime. The state conducts follow-up interviews, tests drugs, and usually also tries to get the defendant (that is you) to admit to committing the crime.
Pretrial Phase
The next phase. This phase starts when the state files an information or complaint, officially charging you with committing a crime. The defendant is given a couple of months to review evidence and prepare a defense. Prosecutors, representing the state, usually prepare a plea offer for the defendant to accept so they won’t have to go to trial. Negotiations between prosecutor and defendant might occur.
Trial Phase
The final phase. A jury is called and sworn in. Jury is to hear evidence from prosecutors and from defendant. Jury decides whether defendant is guilty or not guilty. If guilty, defendant is then sentenced at a later hearing. If not guilty, all charges against the defendant are dismissed.
Pro Tips
- Just because you were arrested doesn’t mean you’re guilty. It simply means that given the evidence, the Constitution allowed the officer to restrict your freedom so as to investigate you further.
- If the state is working hard right now to convict you, don’t just sit back and wait to see what happens. Talk to a defense attorney right now and start crafting your complete defensive plan!
- If you’ve been formally charged with a crime, that does not mean you’re guilty! There might be very valid defenses available to you in your case. The state might have overlooked those defenses. The state also might be playing a big game of “chicken,” just to see if you’ll cave to the pressure.
- An experienced defense attorney is worth your investment! An experienced defense attorney with experience as a former prosecutor can formulate a complete defensive plan by anticipating arguments by the state and having the right counter-arguments ready.
Jeff Brown zealously represents his clients by following the three E’s:
Empathy. Jeff Brown knows that good people make mistakes. He treats his clients as the individuals they are, and not as the criminals that the state labels them as. Jeff strives to understand what is most important to his clients and obtain that result for them.
Expertise. Jeff Brown has extensively studied criminal law and how it is applied to many different situations. Jeff spots nuances in the facts often overlooked by others and regularly uses those nuances to his client’s benefit.
Experience. Jeff Brown has tried hundreds of cases and handled thousands more. He uses that experience to craft a unique defensive strategy for every case to obtain the best possible outcome for his .
Call (817) 482-5005 Jeff Brown Law in Roanoke, Texas for your free consultation. Even if you're way across town, I'll meet you there.