(ThyBlackMan.com) When some people commit a crime that warrants an arrest, they do not often think of the time they will spend in court. In fact, most people commit crimes without giving any thought to the consequences. Whatever the case may be, criminal cases are no joke. And, courts are not in any hurry to resolve them. So, you could spend several weeks, months or even years trying to get your criminal case resolved. Below, you will discover several factors that will affect the amount of time it takes to get your criminal case resolved.
Type Of Offense
There are several types of criminal charges, including infractions, misdemeanors and felonies. Infractions are less serious of all the criminal charges. This is a petty offense that does not call for jail time or probation for that matter. An infraction could be anything from a traffic ticket to a civil offense. It could include anything from driving under the influence of assault and battery. A felony charge is the most serious criminal offense that could carry an imprisonment, lasting anywhere from a year to life in prison. Some felons have also received the death sentence for their crimes.
Depending on the offense, a criminal case could last anywhere from one month to several years.
Speedy Trial
In the United States, all defendants have a right to a speedy trial. However, the request for a speedy trial cannot be submitted until after the criminal proceedings have begun. A speedy trial could end in as little as 60 days, at which time the defendant will be arraigned. So, if you are lucky enough to have your speedy trial request accepted, you could be in and out of court in 60 days or less.
Laws
A good criminal lawyer knows and understands the laws. They can ensure their clients with an infraction or misdemeanor a speedy trial. In some states, such as California, an in-custody defendant has the right to go to trial within 30 days of entry of a plea of not guilty or arraignment. And, a defendant who is not serving jail time can have their case in front of court within 45 days. To secure a speedy trial, find an attorney that is qualified in criminal law.
From Start To Finish
Criminal trials can take as long as several years to complete, from arrest to sentencing. There are several phases of the trial process. These phases include arrest, arraignment and preliminary or motions and hearings. The arrest phase can take as long as a few weeks to several years, while the arraignment phase typically occurs within 48 hours of the arrest.
Each criminal case is unique, so the resolution time will vary. If you have any questions be sure to ask your attorney. Most attorneys are adamant about resolving their cases. They are willing to do whatever is necessary to speed up the case without jeopardizing their clients’ freedom. It is also wise to become familiar with the criminal laws in the state where the crime was committed.
Staff Writer; Greg Adams