Sometimes a person alleges a crime against another without any other witnesses. After all, it’s impossible to have a third party present in all situations. When cases like this happen, it comes down to the accuser’s word against the accused. If you’ve been charged for a crime with no witnesses, you’re facing an extremely difficult…
A judge performs many tasks during an arraignment hearing, including reading the charges against a defendant, determining the type of counsel that defendant has, and seeking a plea to the charges against a defendant in a criminal case. If you’re anticipating your arraignment after an arrest, you should know that entering your plea is the…
An individual is permitted to obtain a public defender or private attorney when accused of committing a crime. The Sixth Amendment of the United States Constitution guarantees this right, but there are several steps involved to pursue the action. A public defender represents a defendant who does not have the financial ability to pay for…
As a defendant in a criminal trial, there’s a host of information to be aware of including proper courtroom decorum, how to dress for court, and how to adequately refute charges. If that weren’t enough, there is also an entire system of “motions” that one may pursue to achieve a desirable result. A motion, in…
Being charged with committing a crime can be stressful and scary. With potentially severe punishments, finding ways to get out of the situation is always a top priority, especially if you haven’t had previous run-ins with the law. Individuals who may not be fully aware of their criminal options or are unaware of how the…
Louisiana judges issue many types of warrants, but one of the most common are bench warrants. Unlike others, one can easily have a bench warrant and be completely unaware of it. Oftentimes, it takes an individual to get pulled over for a minor traffic violation for them to become aware of a warrant for their…
The type of evidence and how the prosecution presents it in court can be the difference between a guilty verdict or being cleared of all charges. With the stakes so high, attorneys put deep thought into what evidence to show in court and how the judge and jury may receive it. As the defendant in…
Few people have entered a courtroom before their arraignment besides perhaps completing jury duty. Although having a defense lawyer on your side is crucial to fighting for your future, preparing for your day in court by practicing proper courtroom behavior and learning how to dress yourself are essential to presenting your best image to the…
No first impression is more important than the one you make in court. Making a good first impression and maintaining a proper disposition throughout your trial is just as valuable as coming prepared with the right lawyer to represent you. Understanding and engaging in proper courtroom behavior plays a crucial role in the successful outcome…
Per the Sixth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, criminal defendants are guaranteed several rights regarding their movement through the criminal justice system. These rights include: The right to a public trial without unnecessary delay The right to know who their accusers are The right to know the nature of the charges against them The right…