Steps in Your Felony Criminal Court Case in Flagstaff

Our Skilled Flagstaff Criminal Defense Lawyers Will Fight for Your Rights at Each Step in Your Felony Criminal Court Case

If you were arrested for a felony crime in Flagstaff, you need to understand the steps you will go through in your criminal court case. Knowing what to expect can be very helpful in better handling the process. In addition, this information can help you know what’s expected of you during your case. 

At your initial free consultation, our experienced Flagstaff criminal defense lawyers at Griffen & Stevens Law Firm, PLLC will explain what will happen in your criminal court case, all your possible defenses, and your options to achieve the best outcome in your criminal case. We will also keep you informed throughout the criminal court process, attend all court hearings with you, and fight to get the charges dismissed or reduced to a less serious offense with less harsh sentences.

Steps in Your Flagstaff Felony Criminal Case

While every criminal case is unique, there are a number of steps in the court process that most people accused of committing a felony will go through. Each phase in your criminal case can significantly impact your case’s outcome. Here are the stages you should expect to go through after your arrest:

Initial Court Appearance

After the police take you into custody, you must be in front of a judge within 24 hours. You may or may not have been formally charged with committing a crime. At this hearing, the judge will inform you of the following:

• You will be told of the felony allegations against you.
• You have a right to remain silent.
• You have a right to an attorney. The court will appoint one if you cannot afford to hire a lawyer.

In addition, the judge will decide whether to set bail at your initial court hearing. If they deny bail or set it too high for you to afford, our criminal defense lawyers can help you get it lowered.

Criminal Charges or Grand Jury Indictment

The prosecutor must decide whether to file a criminal complaint or to seek a grand jury indictment. If a grand jury is called, they will make a decision whether there is probable cause that you committed a crime.

Arraignment

Once formal charges are filed against you, you must attend an arraignment. At this hearing, you have to enter a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest. Even if you believe you committed the crime, it is almost always best to plead not guilty. However, your attorney will help guide you when making this decision.

Preliminary Hearing

If the prosecutor filed a criminal complaint instead of taking your case to a grand jury, the next step would be a preliminary hearing where the prosecutor must prove probable cause to support the charges. Our criminal defense lawyers can argue that they did not meet their burden of proof, or that there is no probable cause that you committed the offense. 

Pre-Trial Conferences and Hearings

The court will set one or more pre-trial conferences for the prosecutor and our legal team to update the judge on our progress in resolving your case or getting it ready for trial. In addition, the court will schedule hearings if the prosecutor or our attorneys file a pre-trial motion. 

For example, we may file a motion for discovery of the prosecutor’s evidence against you or a motion to suppress evidence if the police conducted an unlawful search and seizure or violated your other constitutional rights. If the judge decides crucial evidence against you is inadmissible, we may be able to get the charges against you dismissed. 

Plea Negotiations

Many criminal cases in Flagstaff are resolved through a plea bargain where the prosecutor reduces the charges or the punishments in exchange for the defendant pleading guilty. If it is in your best interests, our attorneys will attempt to negotiate a favorable plea agreement for you.

Trial

If your case is not resolved through a plea bargain, your case will go to a jury trial. At your trial, the prosecution must prove each element of the crime beyond a reasonable doubt. Our criminal defense lawyers will vigorously challenge the prosecutor’s evidence and cross-examine their witnesses. We will also present evidence and witness testimony to support your defenses. 

At Griffen & Stevens, PLLC, our legal team has decades of experience successfully resolving criminal cases, including obtaining acquittals in felony cases. Read our case results to learn how we have helped clients facing felony charges like yours. 

Sentencing

If you plead guilty or are found guilty at a trial, the judge will schedule a hearing to sentence you. Our legal team will represent you at this hearing and present any mitigating factors, such as your prior clean criminal history, remorse, and ties to the community, to argue for a less harsh sentence.