Court Procedures Attorney Boston
The criminal arrest and court process can be very frustrating for most people. It takes many times of handling different situations to understand the procedures, protocols and what happens next after an arrest. Even when you are part of the process, you may need more confidence about your rights and what to do to receive the best outcome. If you or a loved one are facing criminal charges and have questions about the Massachusetts court system process, call experienced Boston criminal defense attorney Susan M. Rayburn today for a free case consultation.
Being Arrested
You can be arrested if the police have probable cause that you committed a crime or if they think you are currently participating in a crime. Many arrests occur after a police officer witnesses someone committing a city, state, or federal offense. But remember that the police don’t have to see you commit a crime to arrest you. They can gather probable cause of your involvement in an offense through other means, such as a witness description.
You will also be arrested if a warrant is out for your arrest. A warrant is a legal document signed by a judge or court clerk that states there is evidence to allow the police to take you into custody.
Your Miranda Rights
Whenever you are arrested, the police are legally required to tell you certain Constitutional rights you automatically have.
Your Miranda rights include:
- The right to remain silent
- Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law
- You have the right to speak to an attorney
- You have the right to have an attorney present during questioning
- If you cannot afford a lawyer, one will be provided for you
Not only do you have these rights, but you should use them.
The Criminal Court Process
Initial Court Appearance
You will usually see a judge within 24-48 hours of being arrested. The judge will decide if there is probable cause to hold you longer or whether you should be released without charges or on bail. The judge determines if bail is necessary and sets the amount.
Your Arraignment
Your arraignment is different from your initial appearance in front of the judge. At the arraignment, you will hear the charges against you, the prosecutor’s evidence, and the possible punishments.
You will have to enter a plea. At this point, you should plead not guilty to give your lawyer time to analyze your case to determine your best legal option properly.
Released On A Bail Bond
Once you are arrested, depending on the charge, bail may be an option for your release. While it is possible to be released on your own word that you will return to court, most people are required to post a bail bond.
A bail bond is a cash deposit that ensures you will return to court for your trial. If you do not return, the money is forfeited to the state. If you do return, the amount can be given back to you at the end of the process, which may be when charges are dropped, you accept a plea or are found innocent or guilty at trial.
The amount required for bail can be hundreds or thousands of dollars. Many people don’t have the cash they need on hand. In this case, you can use a private bail bondsman, which is a business that posts your bail for you.
Getting Legal Advice
You have the right to an attorney from the beginning of your arrest. When you are taken to the police station, you can state that you will not answer questions until you can contact an attorney and have him or her present. You cannot be punished for invoking these rights.
Preliminary Court Dates
You will attend at least one preliminary hearing within a few weeks of your arrest. You and your attorney will hear more about the prosecutor’s case against you during the preliminary hearing. You may have to attend other court hearings if either side of the case files pre-trial motions.
Trial
You have the right to a trial in front of a jury of your peers. During a trial, both the prosecutor and your attorney will present evidence. The prosecutor will use physical evidence and witness testimony to prove that you committed the crime for which you were arrested. Your attorney will seek to prove the opposite and show the errors in the prosecutor’s case.
Sentencing
The judge may sentence you immediately if you are found guilty of a misdemeanor. If you are found guilty of a felony, a sentencing hearing will be set for a later date.
Call Susan M. Rayburn, Boston Criminal Defense Lawyer For Help
If you face a criminal charge in Massachusetts, contact experienced defense lawyer Susan M. Rayburn for a free consultation. She will help you at every stage of the Massachusetts criminal court process.
Attorney Rayburn has years of experience as a criminal defense attorney in Massachusetts and understands you need someone who will compassionately and vigorously protect your Constitutional rights during this stressful experience.
Court Procedures
- Search / Arrest Warrants
- Wire Tap
- Grand Jury Subpoena
- Illegal Search & Seizure
- Obstruction Of Justice
- Resisting Arrest
- Perjury
- Police Interrogations
- Restraining / Protection Order
- Motions To Dismiss / Suppress
- Probation Violation
- Bail Reduction
- Dangerous Hearing
Attorney Susan Rayburn has over 25 years of criminal defense experience. She has an excellent record of favorable outcomes for her clients, whether through dismissals, negotiated resolutions, or jury trials. Attorney Rayburn is known to be a skilled, aggressive, and successful criminal defense attorney who ethically and creatively fights for her clients’ rights.
Attorney Rayburn effectively and aggressively represents people accused of a wide variety of criminal offenses, including crimes of murder, assault with intent to murder, assault and battery with serious bodily injury, domestic violence offenses, rape, sexual assault, armed robbery, home invasion, arson, human trafficking, drug trafficking, possessory offenses, financial crimes, identity, and credit card crimes. She handles major felonies and misdemeanors, grand jury subpoenas, trial subpoenas, immunity agreements, witness representation, restraining orders, and clerk magistrate hearings.
COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Have You Been Accused Of A Violent Crime?
If you are facing an accusation of committing a violent crime, the consequences can be life-changing. The stakes are high when you are possibly facing imprisonment and a permanent criminal record. In these situations, having a skilled violent crime attorney on your side is essential to protect your rights and secure the best possible outcome for your case.
Choosing the Right Legal Counsel For Your Case –
Review Attorney Rayburn’s successful history of defending her clients in violent crime cases and understand how committed she is to fighting for your rights. Most importantly, call Attorney Rayburn, speak with her about your case, and ask questions. Consultations are free, and you will learn that she is easily accessible and generous with her time.
Key Qualities to Look For:
- Experience: Ensure that your lawyer has extensive experience in criminal law, specifically in handling violent crime cases.
- Reputation: Research and read reviews and testimonials from past clients to ascertain your lawyer’s professionalism and success rate.
- Communication: A good violent crime attorney will keep you informed and answer all your questions throughout the process.
- Dedication: Your lawyer should be fully committed to your case, exploring all possible defense options and not just seeking quick resolutions.
- Accessibility: Your lawyer must answer calls, text messages or emails promptly and not only during regular business hours. When you are facing criminal charges you need answers, both before and after hiring your defense attorney.
Your serious matter demands immediate legal intervention from a competent criminal defense attorney. Hiring experienced violent crime defense lawyer Susan Rayburn can significantly improve your chances of a favorable outcome in your case.
Whether you’re accused of assault, assault and battery, the use of a dangerous weapon or the intent to murder, armed or unarmed robbery, or homicide of any degree, having the right legal representation is critical to your future and peace-of-mind
How Much Experience Does a Criminal Attorney Need to Have?
Always choose a lawyer with as much experience in criminal defense as possible. Hiring a defense attorney with decades of experience fighting for the rights of their clients is the way to achieving the best possible outcome of your case.
The experience of Attorney Susan Rayburn is highly valuable for several reasons:
1. Her Understanding of the Legal System: Attorney Rayburn has a deep understanding of the legal system, including the procedures, protocols, and nuances that can affect your case. This knowledge allows her to navigate the legal system more effectively and efficiently.
2. Strategic Insight: As a seasoned attorney, Susan has developed strategic insights overtime, knowing when to negotiate, when to go to trial, and how to present a case in the most favorable light. She understands the tactics that work and those that don’t, which can significantly impact a cases outcome.
3. Negotiation Skills: Experience hones an attorneys negotiation skills. Some criminal cases are resolved through plea bargains, and an experienced attorney like Susan Rayburn is more likely to secure a favorable deal if that is the route you choose in your criminal case. Remember, it is always the Defendant’s choice on whether they should exercise their constitutional rights to a trial or waive them and resolve their case short of trial.
4. Courtroom Experience: Seasoned attorneys are often more comfortable and effective in the courtroom. They are familiar with courtroom procedures, know how to present evidence and arguments persuasively, and can better anticipate the prosecutions moves. This is one of Attorney Rayburn’s strengths.
5. Reputation: A well-respected attorney with a strong track record can sometimes influence the dynamics of a case. Attorney Rayburn has a stellar reputation and is highly respected in the all of the courts where she represents the accused.
6. Specialization: As an attorney with years of experience in criminal law, Susan has handled many cases similar to yours, giving her specific expertise that is often critical in building a strong, focused defense.
Has Criminal Defense Attorney Susan Rayburn Handled Many Cases Like Yours?
Every case is unique. Attorney Susan Rayburn, an experienced criminal defense lawyer, has seen almost every situation you could imagine. The key to getting the best representation possible is to discuss with her how often she has handled cases similar to yours. This will help you understand why she could be the lawyer for your case. When choosing criminal defense attorney Susan Rayburn, it’s important to know she has handled cases similar to yours.
This legal experience can be critical for several reasons:
1. Specific Knowledge:
Attorney Rayburn, who has handled cases like yours, will have specific knowledge of the laws, procedures, and potential defenses relevant to your situation.
2. Understanding of Case Dynamics: She will understand the typical dynamics of your criminal case, including common strategies used by the prosecution and effective counter-strategies.
3. Track Record:
You can assess her success rate in handling similar cases, giving you an idea of her outstanding capability and effectiveness.
4. Predicting Outcomes:
As an experienced attorney, Susan Rayburn can better predict potential outcomes and provide more accurate advice on the best course of action, keeping in mind that no promises can or should ever be made by any attorney about what the final outcome of a case will be, but navigating the options in your particular set of facts is done best by and attorney like Susan who has the experience and tenacity to evaluate your case and help you make your educated choices.
5. Customized Defense:
She will tailor your defense strategy based on the facts and circumstances of your particular case, which law enforcement agencies are involved and what has worked in past cases, potentially increasing your chances of a favorable outcome.
No stone will go unturned; Attorney Rayburn will be sure that you benefit from the services of her excellent private investigator and any experts necessary to evaluate evidence and testify on your behalf should that become necessary.