How Is the Preparation for a Pretrial Hearing?
A pretrial hearing happens between two parties ahead of a trial. In the criminal cases the parties are prosecution, the convicted person, individual’s lawyer and a judge.
In a criminal trial, a pretrial hearing helps in resolving the obstacles involving the administrative issues. The defendant can request a pretrial and often this is required by law.
Discuss with Lawyer
Discuss all the maters and review everything about the case with your criminal lawyer in advance rather than having a discussion just before the pretrial hearing of the case. It would make sure that all the issues are rightly addressed. In some if the situations you must give the lawyer all details related to the case including the police report, plea offers and others. Doing this and in advance discussion with the lawyer would assure that you are well prepared for the pretrial hearing.
The Key Events of the Case
An important part of preparation is writing down everything important such as what has happened you after arrest or after being charged with the case. Some of the important details to note about are witness details, the time and place, the scene details, statements made by witnesses, statement of law enforcement and the timeline of the events that has happened following the incident.
Police Report Accuracy Review
If you are able to meet your criminal lawyer before the case, he would be able to give you a copy of the police report made for the case in the said time. Read all the reports and check the accuracy. If you find anything mismatched with the fact, note it down. The information from the police report and inaccuracies (if any) would be valuable for you and your attorney.
Research How It Can Impact You, Your Life and Your Career
If you are a licensed professional, a criminal case or charge can impact you highly. You may have to face license suspension or withdrawal. The people in the professions like teachers, nurses, real estate agents need to have fingerprint clearance card and they may be ineligible for receiving a clearance and report about their criminal arrests to the respective and regulative agents. If you do not know what the impact could be ask your criminal lawyer. You must understand collateral consequences before accepting a plea agreement.
Bring the Calendar
In a pretrial conference, the later court dates will be set. You can schedule the court dates considering all your pre-fixed commitments and the opposing attorneys.
Failure to appear in the court on the fixed date would have negative and serious consequences, so that it is of indispensable importance to write down the date and appear on the said time for the court sessions.
If you are already charged with a criminal case, reach us at Foshee and Yaffee. For personal injury cases, wrongful death cases, nursing home abuse and more – visit us and mail an appointment with our attorneys.
**Disclaimer: This content is not to be construed as legal advice nor does it establish terms of a client-attorney relationship.