Stages of a Misdemeanor Case

Arraignment

The arraignment is normally your first court appearance. It is sometimes done via video if you are in jail. Most courts will have you watch a brief videotape, which will explain the potential penalties you are facing as well as your rights. It will also explain the various pleas that can be entered.

Prosecutors seldom appear at arraignments. Never discuss the facts of your case with anyone at the arraignment.

It is unwise to enter a plea of guilty (or no contest) at this time and throw yourself upon the mercy of the court without knowing what sentence the judge or magistrate will give you.

Your appearance before the judge will be brief. The judge will read the charges to you and ask you how you want to plead. The judge may also address the issue of bond. The main concern of the judge is whether or not you will appear for future court appearances. Where you live, where you work, and whether you have ever missed a court appearance in the past are factors the judge will consider.

Pretrial Conference

After your arraignment, most courts schedule your case for a pretrial conference. Generally, this is where your criminal defense lawyer discusses the resolution of your case with the prosecuting attorney. The judge is normally not involved in the case at a pretrial conference.

Sometimes this stage will be skipped, and the case will be immediately set for Trial. This usually happens when you don’t sign a time waiver.

Motions

Some cases then proceed to a Motion Hearing (such as a Motion to Suppress, etc…), where your attorney challenges the evidence other issues resolved. Filing motions on your own, without the assistance of a lawyer, is a recipe for disaster. Non-lawyers have no chance of overcoming the legal knowledge of the prosecuting attorney.

Trial

Ultimately, The Case May Be Set For A Trial, Either To Judge Or To Jury. In Misdemeanor Cases, A Demand For A Jury Trial Must Be Filed Timely To Preserve That Right. Otherwise, The Right To A Trial By Jury Is Forfeited.

Plea/Sentencing

If you choose to resolve your case by accepting an offer, the case will be scheduled for a Plea or Sentencing Hearing, when the Judge will decide the penalties.

In some cases, the judge will refer you for a pre-sentence investigation before sentencing.

Disclaimer

The ohiocrimelawyer.com website is designed for general information only. Any information on this site is not to be construed as formal legal advice from a criminal defense lawyer, a DUI lawyer, a family law lawyer or estate planning, wills, trusts, and probate lawyer, nor the formation of a lawyer/client relationship. Persons accessing this site are encouraged to seek personal advice regarding their individual legal issues.

The attorneys in our law firm primarily service Portage County courts (Ravenna and Kent) from our office in Ravenna, and Summit County courts (Akron, Stow, Barberton) from our office in Stow. Cases in all other courts in North East Ohio, such as Cuyahoga County courts, are handled under specific terms and conditions.