CRIMINAL PROCESSING AFTER A FLORIDA ARREST
EXPERIENCED SARASOTA AND BRADENTON CRIMINAL LAW FIRM
If you’ve been arrested, or are currently being investigated and are concerned about what comes next, then it’s important that you consult with an experienced criminal attorney for further guidance.
Here at Fowler Law Group, we encourage defendants to contact us to speak with our team of Bradenton and Sarasota criminal lawyers — we will help you successfully navigate the criminal proceedings the follow after an arrest.
So, what happens after an arrest? Let’s take a look.
THE LEGAL STEPS FOLLOWING AN ARREST IN FLORIDA
INITIAL BOOKING AND CUSTODY
Arrest triggers the start of criminal proceedings. After a law enforcement has arrested you for a valid reason, then you will be “booked” for the suspected crime and put in custody if the committed offense is serious. If the committed offense is only minor, then you may be released and given a scheduled court date for further processing.
ADDRESSING THE CHARGES
After you’ve been arrested and “booked,” you’ll have to address the charges that have been filed against you by prosecutors. This scheduled appearance before the court is known as an arraignment.
During the arraignment, you’ll have an opportunity to really to the prosecutor’s charges by entering a plea (guilty, not guilty, or no contest). The court will also set bail and schedule additional court dates for other applicable hearings.
EVALUATING PROBABLE CAUSE
After you have been arraigned, the criminal charges will have to be evaluated for “probable cause,” either through preliminary hearings or grand jury proceedings. If there is no probable cause to bring the criminal charges at-issue, then the case will be dismissed and you will avoid liability altogether (and at an early stage!).
PRE-TRIAL
Pre-trial proceedings include hearings on motions for summary judgment, motions to suppress evidence for irrelevance, and other strategic motions. During pre-trial proceedings, the court will evaluate the admissibility of evidence and other issues that could play a significant role at trial.
TRIAL
In the trial phase, the court will evaluate your guilt after considering all the evidence, and after all witnesses have been heard (and cross-examined). The prosecution must be able to prove that you committed the crimes at-issue beyond a reasonable doubt.
SENTENCING
If you’ve been convicted at trial, then the court will sentence you on the basis of various factors, from your pre-existing criminal record to the severity of the crime. Depending on the violation at-issue (or if you entered into a plea bargain), the court may be entitled to impose probation or enter you into a diversionary program as opposed to executing a term of imprisonment.
YOUR SARASOTA OR BRADENTON CRIMINAL LAWYER CAN FILE AN APPEAL
If you’ve been convicted of the crimes at-issue, and if you believe that the trial court erred in convicting and/or sentencing you for those crimes, then you may choose to appeal the decision of the trial court. Though not always a strategically sound plan, appeals — under certain circumstances — can sometimes lead to a reverse or modification of the trial court’s unfavorable decision.
Our Satisfied Clients
HEAR WHAT FORMER CLIENTS HAVE TO SAY About Us
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“Made an unpleasant experience more bearable.”
“Both Mr. Fowler and his staff were a pleasure to work with and made an unpleasant experience more bearable. I greatly appreciate his assistance and would highly recommend him to anyone.”- Former Client -
“Best choice for my legal defense.”
In August 2016, I was arrested for driving under the influence. After my release from jail, my best friend Jessica gave me a number for a defense lawyer so I could hopefully fix my current legal situation involving my arrest by Sarasota PD. Mr. Fowler previously helped my friend get out of her sticky situation with the law. After briefly speaking to Mr. Fowler about my situation, I decided that he would be the best choice for my legal defense.- Nicole -
“Demonstrated true passion & professional in my case.”
Mr. Fowler took on a criminal case in my behave & display full attention to my concerns, he demonstrated true passion & professional in my case. If you ever need a criminal attorney, I highly recommend this law firm for your situation.- John -
“Great Job!”
“Mr. Fowler did a great job. He worked hard for my defense and got me the best possible out come for my case.”- Sean -
“Highly Recommend!”
“Highly recommended. James is very knowledgeable.”- Joe -
“Wonderful Team!”
“James and his team were wonderful to our family in our time of need. They were knowledgeable, diligent, professional, and someone was always accessible for questions, concerns, and issues.”- Sarah -
“Great Customer Service!”
“I would highly recommend Mr. Fowler and his Team! They were fantastic every step of the way and fought hard to get us the best possible outcome for our case; Jim got us exactly what he hoped he could get for us and exceeded our expectations.”- Olivia -
“Great Attorney!”
“James and his team were wonderful to our family in our time of need. They were knowledgeable, diligent, professional, and someone was always accessible for questions, concerns, and issues.”- Sarah
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Charges Dropped Traffic Infraction Resulting in a Fatality
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Not Guilty Jury Verdict Felony Possession of Marijuana
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Charges Dropped Felony Battery against a Healthcare Worker
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Jury Trial Not Guilty Verdict DUI
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Released from Jail Assault with a Deadly Weapon
Case Results
Fighting for the best Possible Outcome
- Traffic Infraction Resulting in a Fatality
- Felony Possession of Marijuana
- Felony Battery against a Healthcare Worker
- DUI
- Assault with a Deadly Weapon