Posts Tagged ‘ trial ’

What is a PSI (pre-sentence investigation)?

A PSI is a pre-sentence investigation report that is prepared by your probation officer prior to sentencing.  The probation department will set up a meeting with you and a specified probation officer whereby you will sit down with them and discuss your case.  It is imperative that you are prepared and on time to answer the questions that the probation officer will be asking you so that you can obtain a positive PSI report.

The PSI is a crucial document in your criminal case because the probation officer outlines recommendations regarding your sentencing to the Judge.

You will need to sit down with an attorney and go over your PSI report prior to sentencing to ensure its accuracy and to decide what arguments to make to the appropriate Judge at sentencing.

I can go over the various questions and issues that will be raised by your probation officer prior to your meeting. Don’t hesitate to send me an email if you have any questions.

Marcus D. Wilcox

Marcus@MDWilcoxLaw.com

www.MDWilcoxLaw.com

Attorney at Law, esq.

DISCLAIMER: The information contained on this website is meant to be general, informative and educational. It should not be taken as specific legal advice to any particular problem or issue. Please consult an attorney personally to discuss your particular circumstances.

I was just charged with a felony and I am wondering how the process works?

The following is a brief synopsis of the major steps that are normally taken when charged with a felony:

Arraignment:  This is where the judge or magistrate informs you of the charges and sets a bond and bond conditions for the case.

Preliminary Examination Conference – Your attorney will meet with the prosecutor’s office to review the case and discovery issues.  There can be preliminary settlement discussions and we decide on whether to hold a preliminary examination.

Preliminary Examination– At this point in the process, the prosecutor must bring in witnesses to show there is enough evidence to charge you with the case.  The standard is low and the prosecutor must show by Probable Cause that you in fact committed the offense that you are charged with.

Pre-trial– This is a hearing in Circuit Court where settlement negotiations take place and issues regarding motions and hearings will be discussed.  This is the last step before major trial preparations commence.  If there is a plea agreement reached then you will enter a plea at that time.

Final Settlement Conference– This is where your attorney normally meets with the Judge and the prosecutor in an attempt to resolve the case and set schedules and issues regarding the upcoming trial.

Trial- If the case goes to trial, the prosecutor must show beyond a reasonable doubt that you committed the crimes that you are charged with.

Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any questions: Marcus@MDWilcoxLaw.com .

Marcus D. Wilcox

www.MDWilcoxLaw.com

Attorney at Law, esq.

DISCLAIMER: The information contained on this website is meant to be general, informative and educational. It should not be taken as specific legal advice to any particular problem or issue. Please consult an attorney personally to discuss your particular circumstances.