If you are facing criminal charges in New Brunswick, it can be a confusing and intimidating experience, especially if you do not have any idea of how the law works. Moreover, understanding the criminal justice system is a tough task, but it is also very important to understand how it works to know your rights as a defendant. In this article, we will give you an overview of the criminal justice system in New Brunswick and explain the role of New Brunswick criminal defense attorneys in helping you navigate through the entire process.
Arrest and Booking
The first step in the criminal justice process is typically an arrest. If you are arrested in New Brunswick, you will be taken into custody and brought to a police station for booking. Generally, people are accused of DWI or DUI crimes, but you can also be brought up for other matters.
They take your fingerprint photographs and ask you to provide personal information.
Once the booking is made, you may be released on bail or held in custody until your trial. If you are released on bail, there will be a few conditions that you will be required to follow certain conditions, such as checking in with a probation officer or avoiding contact with certain individuals.
Arraignment
The next step is an arraignment. This is a formal court hearing where they will tell you the charges against you and ask you to enter a plea. You have the right to have New Brunswick criminal defense attorneys present at your arraignment that will defend you in court by exercising your rights and defending you.
Plea Bargaining
Now, your New Brunswick criminal defense attorney may begin plea bargaining with the prosecutor. Plea bargaining is a negotiation process where the defendant pleads guilty in return for a reduced sentence or a lesser charge.
Discovery and Pretrial Motions
During the discovery process, your New Brunswick criminal defense attorney will request evidence from the prosecutor, such as police reports, witness statements, and physical evidence. Your attorney will review this evidence to identify any weaknesses in the prosecutor’s case.
If there are legal issues with the case, such as violating your constitutional rights, your New Brunswick criminal defense attorney may file pretrial motions to exclude evidence or dismiss the charges.
Trial
In case the case proceeds to trial, the prosecutor must provide strong evidence to prove you guilty of the charges. Your New Brunswick criminal defense attorneys will present evidence and arguments to defend you against the charges.
If you are proven guilty, you will be sentenced by the judge accordingly. If you are acquitted, you will be released from custody, and the charges will be dropped.
Appeals
If you are accused of a crime in New Brunswick, you have the right to appeal the conviction. Your criminal defense attorneys can file an appeal on your behalf and argue that your rights were violated during the trial or that there was a legal error in the proceedings.
Last Lines!
Being charged with a crime in New Brunswick can be scary, but it is important to remember that you have rights and options. Hiring New Brunswick criminal defense attorneys who are experienced in the criminal justice system will be beneficial for you in the long run.
If you are facing criminal charges in New Brunswick, contact a New Brunswick criminal defense attorney as soon as possible to discuss your case and legal options. Visit the website of The Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall now to know more.
