The Criminal Process

Tallahassee Drug Crimes Lawyers

The criminal process begins with an investigation, where law enforcement officials will look for evidence that proves your involvement in a drug crime.  Once law enforcement feels they have sufficient evidence, they will place you under arrest and file formal charges against you.  After charges have been filed, you will either be released on bail or on your own recognizance, or you will be held until you can post bail, unless the judge decides to retain you without bail. The next step in the criminal process is the arraignment.  This is the first time you will appear in court to enter your plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest.  If you plead not guilty, the judge will set a date for trial.  During the arraignment your attorney can also motion to have bail reduced or lowered to a lesser amount. Following the arraignment is the pre-trial conference or preliminary hearing, depending on the degree of your charge.  At this stage of the criminal process your attorney will meet with the prosecution to discuss the possibility of a plea bargain, or to negotiate for a reduction or dismissal of the charges.  If an agreement can be met, your case will be resolved at this time, instead of moving forward to trial.  At this stage of the criminal process, the judge will also review all evidence and testimony to determine whether or not there is sufficient evidence to send the case to trial.  At the trial both your attorney and the prosecution will present evidence, testimony, and arguments before a jury.  At the conclusion of the trial, the jury will either find you guilty or not guilty of the charges.  If you are found not guilty the case ends there.  However, if you are found guilty you will be taken into police custody until the judge imposes your sentence. 

Contact a Tallahassee Drug Charge Defense Attorney

It’s very important to retain the representation of an experienced Tallahassee drug crimes lawyer who can provide you with the aggressive defense you need throughout the criminal process. The attorney you hire should have a strong background in criminal defense, and be very skilled at fighting drug charges.  At the law offices of Jansen and Davis, P.A, we have more than a decade of experience in criminal defense, and have defended clients against all types of drug charges, from simple possession charges to serious charges for drug manufacturing

For more information about our services, please don’t hesitate to contact a Tallahassee drug crimes attorney at our office today!