pre-trial procedures

When someone is accused of a crime and arrested for that crime, they begin to move through the criminal justice system. One of the components of a court case is a pre-trial. The procedures for this type of hearing follow a typical pattern. Everything that leads up to a trial is essentially part of the pre-trial procedures.

Here is a general outline of what one could reasonably expect.

• Arrest: A person is placed in police custody and transported to the police station or a local jail depending on the jurisdiction.
• Booking: Once the person has been transported to the booking facility, they will be asked to provide personal information, they will have their property confiscated and have fingerprints taken.
• Bail: The accused person may be able to post bail to secure their release from custody. In some cases, specifically those involving a serious felony, bail may be postponed until it can be set by a judge, or may be forfeited altogether.
• Arraignment: This is the first court proceeding. The judge or prosecutor will read the charges and the accused offender will be given the opportunity to enter a plea.
• Preliminary Hearing: It is at this hearing that a judge determines whether there is enough evidence to move forward with a trial.

If you or a loved one has been the victim of a crime in Atlanta, reach out to an experienced personal injury attorney for assistance. You may be entitled to compensation for any monetary damages you have suffered, including compensation for medical bills and lost wages.