What Should I Do If I Am Charged With Assault?
It can be a scary time when you get charged with an assault in North Dakota. You probably have no idea what is going to happen to you. You are probably worrying about the potential trial and figuring out whether or not you are going to be spending time in jail. While this period can be exceptionally stressful, there is still hope. It is important to remember that there is still a process to go through, and giving up will only expedite that process to your detriment.
Hire an Experienced North Dakota Criminal Defense Attorney
Once you are arrested or just charged, there are steps that you will have to follow. You should hire the best lawyer that you can because he or she will help you from the day that you are charged all of the way until completion. If you end up in jail, he or she may continue to appeal your case.
To help you through your case, here are the steps that you must take.
Speaking During Arrest Can Affect Your Case
First, you will be under arrest. Whether you are arrested in the middle of a fight or after the fact because someone files a report, you will be arrested and possibly handcuffed and taken to the police station. It is important not to talk too much because you are liable to get yourself in even more trouble. Miranda rights exist for a reason. Everything you say absolutely can and likely will be used against you, no matter how inconsequential those words may seem at the time.
The Arraignment Process
Then, you are going to have an arraignment. This is when the jury (or just a judge) will decide whether there is enough evidence to take your case to trial. At this time, you will be given your exact charges, which could include a misdemeanor or felony assault.
At this time, you will also be told whether or not you will be released on your own recognizance or you will have bail. This is usually made depending on how serious your charge is and if the judge thinks that you will come back to court. Your lawyer should be present to help you through your arraignment.
Your case will then be seen by the Grand Jury, who will decide if there is enough evidence for a trial or if it should just be dismissed. You need a lawyer to help you with your case when the evidence is given to the Grand Jury. A good attorney can
Preparing For a Criminal Trial
Then, it is time to prepare for your trial. Your lawyer will work hard to defend you against the charges. If there is evidence that shows you are guilty, a good lawyer will fight to get it taken out of the court system. Anything that shows you in a good light, he or she will work hard to make sure that the jury hears about it during your trial.
During this time, your lawyer should be finding expert witnesses and investigators to back you up. The goal during this time is to find enough information so that your case never goes to trial and the case is just dropped. This can be a key point in the case since sometimes a ruling and sentence can be significantly influenced by even the most seemingly minor piece of evidence.
Going to Trial for Assault
Then comes your assault trial. This is often the worst part because your fate is in the hands of a jury (and your lawyer). Many worry about serious jail time and losing their freedom. However, if you have picked the right lawyer, he or she will fight for you the entire time. They want the charges dropped (or at least your sentence made as short as possible).
If you lose and are sent to jail, you can always appeal your case. Keep going until you get the results that you deserve.
Sand Law North Dakota Criminal Defense Attorneys
If you or a loved one have been arrested and charged with assault in the state of North Dakota then do not hesitate to contact the experienced criminal defense attorneys of Sand Law. Our lawyers have a long track record of cases with positive results where we have successfully defended our clients charged with assault, DUI’s, among a number of various other misdemeanors and felonies.
A good lawyer will help you through this whole process. You will need his or her expertise every step of the way, from the initial arrest all the way through your trial (and any appeals that you may make). A good lawyer may be the difference between jail time and getting your charges dropped so use the best lawyer that you can afford!
If you are in legal trouble, don’t hesitate to contact us. We have offices in Watford City, Williston, Minot, and Bismarck so that we are better able to assist you with your case.
Here at Sand Law North Dakota, we offer a free consultation to evaluate your situation and come up with a unique approach. Contact us online or call us at 701-609-1510.