A preliminary hearing, or preliminary examination, is an adversarial proceeding in which attorneys questions witnesses and both parties make arguments. The judge then makes the ultimate finding of probable cause. In a grand jury, the jury hears only from the prosecutor. The grand jury may call their own witnesses and request that further investigations be performed. The grand jury then decides whether sufficient evidence has been presented to indict the defendant.
Both prosecution and defense may seek pre-trial motions to resolve final issues and establish what evidence and testimony will be admissible at trial. You will be declared guilty or not guilty at the trial. The prosecutor must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you committed the crimes charged. You have a constitutional right to a jury trial in most criminal matters. A jury or judge makes the final determination of guilt or innocence after listening to opening and closing statements, examination and cross-examination of witnesses and jury instructions.
A criminal conviction can have major repercussions. It can affect the individual on a more basic level when he attempts to seek employment. Federal law and most state agencies now requires background checks and allow disqualification based on conviction in a wide variety of employment areas including education, healthcare services, child and eldercare, financial institutions and transportation. A prior conviction will play an important role in the outcome of all future criminal charges.
Contact us if you have been charged with a criminal offence in Macon GA (Georgia), as well as Roberta, Warner Robins, Forsyth, Byron-Centerville, Culloden, Fort Valley, Haddock, Jeffersonville, Lizella, Perry, Gray, Irwinton, Milledgeville and Vienna including Bibb County, Monroe County, Jones County, Crawford County, Peach County, Twiggs County, Baldwin County, Dooly County Houston County, Wesleyan College, Macon State College and Mercer University. Our DUI and Criminal Defense attorneys are based in Macon GA (Georgia).
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Macon GA DUI Lawyer | Warner Robins Georgia Criminal Defense Attorney.
www.maconduidefense.com
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