Virginia Beach Criminal Defense Attorney for Court Proceedings

Serving Newport News, Hampton, Chesapeake, Suffolk, Portsmouth & Norfolk

At JRLaw, PLC, Jerrell R. Johnson has over 15 years of experience helping clients through a variety of court proceedings, including bond hearings, appeals, and expungements. As a former police officer for over 15 years, our lawyer provides his unique, insider knowledge of the criminal justice system. He has the experience, the connections, and the resources to help you effectively resolve your case.

Schedule a FREE evaluation today.

Understanding the Criminal Court Process in Virginia

The criminal defense court process in Virginia can be broken down into several key stages:

1. Arrest and Bail:

• The process begins with an arrest by law enforcement.
• You'll have a bail hearing before a magistrate to determine if you can be released before trial.
• It's crucial to consult with a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible.

2. Arraignment:

• This is your initial court appearance in General District Court.
• The charges against you will be formally read, and you will enter a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest.
• An attorney can advise you on the best course of action for your plea.

3. Preliminary Hearing (Felonies Only):

• If you're facing felony charges, a preliminary hearing is held to determine if there's probable cause to believe you committed the crime.
• Only the prosecution presents evidence at this stage.
• If probable cause is found, the case moves to the grand jury.

4. Grand Jury (Felonies Only):

• A grand jury decides if there's enough evidence to indict you on formal charges.
• The proceedings are secret, and you are not present.

5. Pre-Trial:

• This stage involves discovery, where both sides exchange evidence and potentially negotiate a plea bargain.
• Your attorney will work to gather evidence in your defense and build your case.

6. Trial:

• If no plea bargain is reached, you go to trial in either General District Court (misdemeanor) or Circuit Court (felony).
• A jury or judge will decide your guilt or innocence based on the evidence presented.

7. Sentencing:

• If convicted, you'll face sentencing based on the severity of the crime and your criminal history.
• Your attorney can argue for a lighter sentence.

8. Appeal:

• You have the right to appeal a guilty verdict to a higher court.

Comprehensive Court Proceedings We Assist With

We can assist with a variety of court proceedings, including:

Court proceedings can be complex, and many clients are often confused about what to do and how to approach the court system. Jerrell is very familiar with the criminal justice system as well as many court proceedings. He can personally guide you through the courts and work to ensure that you understand what is happening with your case at each step.

Know Your Rights: (757) 447-0080

If you are facing any of the above issues, talk to our Virginia Beach criminal lawyer in Hampton Roads today to see how he can help you. We listen to your issue and work closely with you to find a solution that is in your best interests.

Call (757) 447-0080 to discuss your case.