From Arrest to Trial: Your Defense Attorney Guide

Meason & Morris Law discusses From Arrest to Trial: Your Defense Attorney Guide

The criminal justice system can be scary and confusing. If you or a loved one is facing criminal charges, you might feel lost. You might wonder what happens next. The time between an arrest and a trial is very important. Having a good defense attorney by your side makes a huge difference. At Meason & Morris Law in Bartlesville, Oklahoma, we help you understand every step. We are here to guide you from the moment you are arrested until your trial is over.

A criminal charge can change your life. You could face fines, probation, or even jail time. You do not have to face this alone. A defense attorney works to protect your rights. They make sure you are treated fairly. They build a strong case for you. In this guide, we will explain the steps of a criminal case in Oklahoma. We will show you exactly what a defense attorney does to help you at each stage.

The Investigation Before the Arrest

Sometimes, the legal process starts before an arrest even happens. The police might be investigating a crime. They might ask you questions. They might want to search your property. If you know you are being investigated, you should call a defense attorney right away.

You have the right to remain silent. This is a very important right. You do not have to answer questions from the police without a lawyer present. A defense attorney can talk to the police for you. They can stop you from saying something that might hurt your case.

Our attorneys at Meason & Morris Law can investigate the facts early. We might find information that proves you are innocent. Sometimes, early help from a lawyer can stop charges from being filed at all. If the police want to talk to you, politely say you want your attorney. Then, call us.

The Arrest and Booking Process

An arrest happens when the police take you into custody. They believe they have a good reason, or "probable cause," to think you committed a crime. After the arrest, they take you to jail for booking. During booking, the police take your picture and your fingerprints. They record your personal information.

Being arrested is stressful. You might feel panicked. It is important to stay calm. Do not argue with the police. Do not try to run away. Most importantly, do not talk about your case with anyone in the jail. Phone calls from jail are often recorded. What you say can be used against you in court.

Your defense attorney will start working immediately after your arrest. They will find out what charges you are facing. They will explain what those charges mean. They will also start working to get you out of jail.

The Initial Appearance and Bail

Soon after your arrest, you will have your first court date. This is called the initial appearance. It usually happens within 48 hours. At this hearing, the judge will tell you the official charges against you. The judge will also make sure you understand your rights.

One of the most important parts of the initial appearance is setting bail. Bail is an amount of money you pay to the court. It acts as a promise that you will return for your future court dates. If you pay the bail, you can go home while you wait for your trial.

A defense attorney is very helpful at this stage. They can ask the judge to lower your bail amount. They can explain to the judge that you are not a danger to the community. They can show that you have strong ties to the area, like a job or family. If the judge agrees, they might lower the bail or let you go without paying money. This is called being released on your "own recognizance." At Meason & Morris Law, we fight to get you home to your family as quickly as possible.

The Preliminary Hearing Conference

If you are charged with a felony, the next step is often a preliminary hearing conference. This is a meeting between your defense attorney and the prosecutor. The prosecutor is the lawyer working for the state who is trying to prove you are guilty.

During this conference, the attorneys discuss the case. The prosecutor might offer a plea bargain. A plea bargain is an agreement. You agree to plead guilty to a lesser charge, and in return, you get a lighter sentence.

Your defense attorney will carefully review any plea offer. They will explain the pros and cons to you. They will tell you what the offer means for your future. You are the only one who can decide to accept a plea deal. Your attorney will give you the best advice, but the choice is yours. If you do not accept a plea deal, the case moves forward.

The Preliminary Hearing

A preliminary hearing is only for felony cases. Misdemeanor cases skip this step. A preliminary hearing is like a mini-trial. The prosecutor must show the judge that there is enough evidence to believe a crime was committed. They must also show that you likely committed the crime. This is called proving "probable cause."

The prosecutor will call witnesses to testify. They will show evidence. Your defense attorney has the right to ask questions. They can cross-examine the witnesses. This is a very important chance for your lawyer to see the state's case against you. They can find weaknesses in the evidence.

Your defense attorney can also argue that there is not enough evidence. If the judge agrees, the charges might be dismissed. If the judge thinks there is enough evidence, they will "bind you over" for trial. This means the case will continue.

Arraignment

The arraignment is a formal court hearing. The judge will read the charges against you again. This is the time when you enter your official plea. You can plead "guilty," "not guilty," or "no contest."

In most cases, your defense attorney will advise you to plead "not guilty" at this stage. This gives your lawyer more time to investigate your case. It gives them time to build a strong defense. Even if you think you might be guilty, pleading not guilty early on protects your rights. It forces the state to prove its case.

For misdemeanor charges, the initial appearance and the arraignment often happen at the same time. For felony charges, the formal arraignment happens after the preliminary hearing.

Pretrial Motions and Discovery

The time before the trial is very busy for your defense attorney. This is the pretrial phase. One major part of this phase is called "discovery." Discovery is the process where both sides share evidence.

The prosecutor must give your lawyer all the evidence they plan to use against you. This includes police reports, witness statements, and test results. Your defense attorney will carefully review all of this evidence. They will look for mistakes made by the police. They will look for holes in the prosecutor's story.

Your defense attorney will also file "pretrial motions." A motion is a formal request made to the judge. For example, your lawyer might file a "motion to suppress evidence." This means they ask the judge to throw out certain evidence. They might argue that the police found the evidence during an illegal search. If the judge agrees, the prosecutor cannot use that evidence at trial. This can severely weaken the state's case and sometimes leads to the charges being dropped.

Your lawyer might also file a motion to dismiss the case completely. They will do everything they can to get the best result before a trial even starts.

Building Your Defense Strategy

While reviewing the evidence, your defense attorney is building your defense strategy. Every case is different. The best strategy depends on the facts of your specific situation.

Your attorney might hire private investigators to find new witnesses. They might hire expert witnesses. For example, if you are charged with a DUI, they might hire an expert to challenge the breathalyzer results. If you are charged with a violent crime, they might hire a medical expert to review injuries.

Your lawyer will also work closely with you. They will listen to your side of the story. They will ask you questions to gather all the details. Honest communication with your attorney is vital. They need to know everything so they can protect you. Remember, everything you tell your lawyer is confidential.

At Meason & Morris Law, Marty Meason and Chris Morris have decades of combined experience. They know how to build strong defenses for all types of criminal charges in Oklahoma. They will work tirelessly to prepare your case for trial.

The Trial

If your case is not dismissed and you do not accept a plea deal, your case will go to trial. You have the right to a trial by jury. In a felony case, there are 12 jurors. In a misdemeanor case, there are usually six jurors. You can also choose to have a "bench trial." In a bench trial, the judge decides the case instead of a jury. Your defense attorney will help you decide which option is best for you.

A trial has several stages. First, both sides give an opening statement. The prosecutor goes first. They tell the jury what they plan to prove. Then, your defense attorney gives their opening statement. They explain why the evidence will not prove you are guilty.

Next, the prosecutor presents their case. They call witnesses and show evidence. Your defense attorney gets to cross-examine every witness. They will ask tough questions to show the jury that the witness might be wrong or lying.

After the prosecutor finishes, your defense attorney can present your case. They can call witnesses to support your story. You have the right to testify, but you do not have to. Your lawyer will advise you on whether testifying is a good idea. The state has the burden of proof. This means they must prove you are guilty "beyond a reasonable doubt." You do not have to prove you are innocent.

Finally, both sides give closing arguments. Your defense attorney will summarize the case. They will point out all the reasonable doubts. They will ask the jury to find you not guilty.

The jury then leaves the courtroom to deliberate. They must reach a unanimous decision. This means all the jurors must agree. If they find you not guilty, you are free to go. The case is over. If they find you guilty, the case moves to the sentencing phase.

Sentencing

If you are convicted, the judge will determine your punishment at a sentencing hearing. In Oklahoma, juries sometimes recommend sentences, but the judge makes the final decision.

Your defense attorney is still fighting for you at this stage. They will present "mitigating factors" to the judge. These are reasons why you should get a lighter sentence. For example, they might show that you have no prior criminal record. They might show that you have a steady job and a family to support. They might show that you are getting help for a drug or alcohol problem.

The judge can choose from many different punishments. They might order you to pay a fine. They might order you to do community service. They might put you on probation. Probation means you do not go to jail, but you must follow strict rules. If the crime is serious, the judge might sentence you to time in jail or prison.

Your attorney will argue for the least severe punishment possible. They will try to keep you out of jail so you can stay with your family and keep your job.

The Appeals Process

If you are found guilty, the fight is not necessarily over. You have the right to appeal your conviction. An appeal is a request to a higher court to review your case.

Your defense attorney will look for legal errors made during your trial. For example, they might argue that the judge gave the jury the wrong instructions. They might argue that the judge allowed the prosecutor to use illegal evidence.

If the higher court agrees that a major mistake was made, they can overturn your conviction. They might order a new trial. The appeals process is very complicated. It requires a lawyer who understands complex legal rules.

Why Choose Meason & Morris Law?

Facing criminal charges in Oklahoma is a serious matter. The laws are tough, and the penalties can be harsh. You need a defense attorney who knows the local courts. You need someone with experience and dedication.

At Meason & Morris Law, we have 50 years of combined legal experience. Marty Meason and Chris Morris are dedicated to helping people in Bartlesville and the surrounding counties. We handle cases in Washington County, Nowata County, Osage County, Rogers County, Payne County, Pawnee County, and Kay County.

Marty Meason has been serving the community since 2003. He has experience as a public defender. He knows how to handle tough cases. Chris Morris has experience working in the District Attorney's office. This means he knows how prosecutors think. He knows how they build their cases. This gives him a unique advantage when defending you.

We handle all types of criminal cases, including:

• DUI and DWI

• Drug charges

• Assault and violent crimes

• Theft and property crimes

• Felonies and misdemeanors

We believe that everyone deserves a strong defense. We treat our clients with respect and compassion. We know that this is a difficult time for you and your family. We will communicate with you clearly. We will answer your questions. We will keep you updated on your case.

We offer a one-hour consultation for $150. During this meeting, we will discuss the details of your case. We will explain your legal options. We will tell you how we can help.

Do not wait to get the legal help you need. The sooner you hire a defense attorney, the better your chances of a good outcome. If you are facing criminal charges, call Meason & Morris Law today at (918) 336-6300. Let us guide you from arrest to trial. Let us fight for your rights and your future.

Conclusion

The journey from an arrest to a trial is long and complicated. There are many steps along the way. At each step, your rights are at risk. A single mistake can have serious consequences.

A skilled defense attorney is your guide and your protector. They investigate the facts. They argue for lower bail. They negotiate with prosecutors. They challenge evidence. They fight for you in the courtroom.

If you are looking for a "defense attorney near me" in Bartlesville or the surrounding areas, look no further than Meason & Morris Law. We have the experience, the knowledge, and the dedication to handle your case. We will stand by your side every step of the way. Contact us today to schedule your consultation and start building your defense. Your future is too important to leave to chance.

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Meason & Morris Law is a legal firm led by seasoned attorneys Marty Meason and Chris Morris. We provide a professional experience for all our clients, helping them navigate their legal rights. We focus on Criminal Justice Law (felonies and misdemeanors), Divorce and Family Law, Expungement and Felony Law, Probate Law and also have Trial experience. Serving Washington County, Nowata County, Osage County, Rogers County, Payne County, Pawnee County, and Kay County in Oklahoma.

Meason & Morris Law

515 Delaware Ave

Bartlesville, OK 74003

918-336-6300