Archives: FAQs
If you are in jail you will be brought to the court on the jail chain (inmates are brought to the courts in groups through secured access tunnels). You will not be brought to court on your own request, but at the request of the court or the attorney representing you. In most courts this…
Misdemeanor Cases: This process begins once the case has been filed by the police and the District Attorney’s Office drafts an information. Felony Cases: This process begins when the Grand Jury issues a true bill of indictment. Once the case has been indicted, the process begins. The First Appearance Setting: If on bond the person…
Each Misdemeanor and Felony Court has an elected judge that presides over the court. In our system the judge is to be impartial and is to base decisions on the law and evidence that is presented in the courtroom. For this reason, the judge will not speak with a person accused of a crime or…
Proper clothes – Any time you are to appear in court you should dress as though you are going to a job interview. Men should wear pants and a shirt with a collar. A suit, jacket or tie is always appropriate. Women should wear a dress, skirt or pants that are not too tight, too…
If you know you are being investigated in connection with a criminal offense, especially a felony offense, you should consult with an experienced criminal defense attorney immediately. First, by involving an attorney at this stage, the attorney will be able to give you advice as to whether you should make any statements to investigators or…
In state court, a person is entitled to have bail set in all cases except for capital murder cases. In federal court, prosecutors must prove a person is a danger to the community or not likely to show up to court appearances before bail can be denied. Often, in federal court, a person may be…
With both your liberty and reputation at stake, you don’t want to hire the wrong attorney. Do not make the mistake that some people do and simply go through the yellow pages calling attorneys in order to find the lowest bidder. You are buying an attorney’s knowledge, experience, and professionalism, you are not buying a…
Learn more about this topic in depth on our board certification page. Both Clint Broden and Mick Mickelsen are board certified in both criminal law and criminal appellate law.
Absolutely. There is a substantial difference between the practice and procedures in federal court as opposed to state court. See our in depth overview of selecting an attorney for a comprehensive answer.
In state court in Dallas County, if you are in jail and unable to make bail, you will often qualify for a court appointed lawyer. As explained above, however, the court appointed lawyer will sometimes be taken away if you are able to post the bond. In federal court, many people qualify for court appointed…