Criminal Process in Nassau County

After the Arrest

If you have been arrested for a criminal offense in Nassau County, it is essential to understand the criminal process in order to gain the best chance of resolving your case. If you have any questions pertaining to the criminal process in New York or require legal guidance, do not hesitate to speak with our Nassau County and Long Island criminal defense lawyer at your earliest convenience. We use aggressive methods to help settle our clients' cases. If cases cannot be handled out of court, we can proceed with litigation. Attorney Jason M. Barbara is recognized as one of New York's most talented and skilled trial lawyers.

Exercise Your Right to an Attorney

New York police officers can place a suspected criminal defendant under arrest if an officer has reason to believe that a violation of the criminal law has taken place. The defendant will then be taken into custody if there is probable cause to make the arrest. If you have been arrested without being advised of your Miranda rights, nothing that the officer has said will be admissible as evidence against you during trial. Two of the most important rights you have include the:

• Right to remain silent
• Right to an attorney

Central booking is the process that occurs at the jail after the defendant's arrest. This process includes collection of information from you, creation of a rap sheet, fingerprinting, and the taking of mug shots. In the state of New York, medical screening will also occur.

The bail arraignment will then take place, which is when the charges against the defendant will be read, and he or she will have to plead either guilty or not guilty. Release can then take place on the defendant's own recognizance or bail can be posted. Once released, the defendant must then reappear in court when summoned.

How Your Case Can Be Resolved

Many cases are handled through the process of plea bargaining. Mutual satisfactory agreement will have to occur between the prosecution and your Nassau County criminal defense attorney to secure a plea bargain successfully. New York's grand jury will address all felonies and assess the evidence against you. During the grand jury proceeding, the defendant is not able to attend. If there is not enough evidence against you for you to be charged, you will be released. If substantial evidence is found, an indictment will be filed against you.

Trial & Sentencing

Cases that do not involve charges of homicide must be tried within six months. The prosecution and your lawyer will take turns providing evidence and conducting questioning at trial. Cross-examining of witnesses will occur on both sides. The judge will then set a court date for sentencing if you are charged with a felony offense. If you are found guilty, the judge will sentence you using specific guidelines designated by the state. The judge will also consider mitigating or aggravating factors as well as provisions for plea agreement.

Looking for an experienced attorney for a criminal case in Nassau County? For assistance with any portion of the criminal process, contact our firm today!