When You Appear in NY Court After Arrest

I have just been arrested! What should I do?

Once you have contacted your family or friends, you should seek out an experienced criminal defense lawyer who can quickly find out as much information as possible concerning the reason for your arrest, and arrange to have you released as soon as possible

What happens after my initial appearance before the court?

After your arraignment, the case will be adjourned to another date, courtroom and judge. At this time, your attorney can do a number of things, such as meet with the prosecutor to discuss potential dismissal or reduction of the charges, make certain motions or applications to the court, have certain evidence deemed inadmissible in court, or try to compel the prosecutor to disclose to the defense certain information or evidence. If you are charged with a felony, the case will be adjourned to monitor whether a grand jury has voted to indict you on the charges.

Original Source for this article: http://www.petruslaw.com/when-you-appear-in-ny-court-after-arrest-2/

Court Proceedings in NY - Criminal Lawyer New York

What will my lawyer do after the initial arraignment in court?

From the moment you hire your attorney, he or she will begin to gather information both about you and about your case from you and all other sources, including the prosecutor, any witnesses, family members, colleagues and friends. Every case is different and Mr. Petrus will tailor his approach specifically to fit your needs.

If I am charged with a felony, should I appear before the Grand Jury to hear the evidence against me?

Every person with pending felony charges against them in New York has a right to appear before the Grand Jury and, after waiving their right against incriminating themselves, has the right to testify on their own behalf in an effort to persuade the Grand Jury not to vote an indictment against them. In addition, every such person has the right to make the Grand Jury aware of other witnesses and evidence which they believe would exonerate them and to request that the Grand Jury hear such testimony and see such evidence at this stage. However, just because it is the right of a person accused of a crime to appear before the Grand Jury and to testify on his or her own behalf does not mean that doing so is a wise decision. When you testify before the Grand Jury, whatever you say may be used as evidence against you in the event you are indicted. Thus, you should thoroughly discus this option with Mr. Petrus before deciding weather to testify and let him help to prepare you for what will be one of the most important days of your life.

Original Source: http://www.petruslaw.com/court-proceedings-in-ny-2/