The Stages of A Criminal Case

What to expect in a Georgia criminal case

A Georgia criminal case can involve several stages, but not every case follows the same path. The charge, court, custody status and other circumstances affect what happens next. An arrest or accusation does not establish guilt.

After an arrest, booking and an initial appearance may address the allegations, rights, counsel and release conditions. Charging documents and other required proceedings depend on the case. A preliminary hearing, when available, addresses a different question from guilt at trial.

At arraignment, the defendant responds to the charges through the appropriate plea. Counsel may review discovery, investigate the facts, discuss possible resolutions and raise relevant legal issues. Motions, negotiations and scheduling can occur at different points; there is no single timetable for every case.

A case may end through dismissal, an accepted plea or a trial. At trial, the prosecution must prove the charge under the applicable criminal standard. A not-guilty verdict is an acquittal. Sentencing follows a conviction or accepted guilty plea, not an acquittal.

Appeal and post-trial options have their own requirements and deadlines. Attorney Ned Ogueri can explain the procedures that apply to your case after reviewing the charge, notices and available records. No dismissal, sentence or appeal result can be guaranteed.