For many people, being party to almost any kind of lawsuit can be an intimidating experience. The whole process –– going to court, standing in front of a judge, awaiting a sentencing –– can be daunting from beginning to end. Now imagine that you are trying to navigate this ordeal completely on your own. While it is true that sometimes people choose to represent themselves in court, there is no reason to go at it alone. Here at Justice 4 Crime Victims, we have a dedicated office ready to help you at every step of the way.
Timeline of a criminal trial
Let us sketch a rough outline of a typical criminal trial. In this next section, we will highlight some of the key stages.
At the beginning of a criminal trial, there is something called “arraignment,” which is when the defendant is officially made aware of the charges against him. It is at this hearing that the judge will ask whether the plaintiff is requesting cash bail or conditions of release. The plaintiff can request, for example, that the defendant not be released, or that he be released after posting cash bail, or that he be released only with the condition that he stay away from the victim.
As you can see, having a strong advocate in your corner is of upmost importance.
After arraignment, there is typically something called a “pretrial conference,” which is where the evidence to be used is discussed. After the pretrial conference, the parties involved in the lawsuit can get together to discuss the possibility of a plea deal and the governing stipulations. If no such agreement is reached, there will be a trial.
Victim rights
Here at Justice 4 Crime Victims, we strongly believe in ensuring victims of violent crime are treated with dignity and respect at every step of the legal process. We want to make sure that your interests are well-represented and that justice is served.
To that end, we are strong champions for Marsy’s Law, a set of rights every victim is entitled to here in California. Some of these provisions, for example, guarantee your right to receive reasonable notice of all public proceedings related to prosecution of the crime, as well as having your safety considered when setting bail.
Our unique approach
One of the many things that makes Justice 4 Crime Victims unique is our leadership. We are led by Michael L. Fell, a former Orange County Senior Deputy District Attorney. He understands the ins and outs of the legal system and is a fierce advocate for our clients. If you are in need of services anywhere near the Los Angeles area, give us a call today to schedule your free consultation: 949-585-9055.
