If you committed a crime in New Jersey, this is what you will expect to happen:
- A police officer will arrest you if it believed that you committed a criminal offense. You will be taken into custody.
- If New Jersey has found enough proof to establish guilt, then the officer will read you your Miranda rights. If you have seen enough cop dramas on TV, you know what they are (right to remain silent, right to an attorney, etc.).
- After you are arrested, you will go through a booking process and taken to jail. It here were your personal information will be taken. You will also be fingerprinted, photographed, and all your belongings will be confiscated. Since you are in New Jersey, you will also receive a medical screening.
- You will get your first appearance in court where you will receive an arraignment where bail will probably be set.
- Before your trail, a plea bargain may take place. If a deal is reached, you will officially be charged with a crime. This is usually done 21 days after the indictment.
- Within 180 days, you will be brought to trial. You have the choice of being tried before a judge or a jury. If you are found guilty of a misdemeanor, you will probably receive your sentence immediately. If you are found guilty of a felony, a court date will be set for your sentencing.
For more information on a criminal defense, click here.
If you are charged with a crime, call us immediately. We have more than 25 years of experience in criminal law and we will help you out of your predicament.