Stages In A Felony Case
Stage 1: Arraignment
Your First Court Appearance
- Enter a not guilty plea
- Demand discovery
- Set bail review
- Set Readiness Conference #1
- Set Preliminary Hearing
Stage 2: Bail Review
3 days After Arraignment
- Motion to reduce bail
- Bring witnesses/docs
- O.R. Release/post bail
- Pick next court date
Stage 3: Readiness Conference #1
1st Settlement Conference
- Discuss settlement with the judge and prosecutor
- File motions
Stage 4: Preliminary Hearing
District Attorney Puts on Evidence
- DA puts on witnesses to establish probable cause
- Good place to show witness as wrong or lying
- Defense attacks charges
- Argue motions
Stage 5: Arraignment in Trial Court
2 Weeks After Preliminary Hearing
- Negotiate case with DA
- File any motions
- Set pre-trial dates
- Get ready for plea bargain at Stage 6 readiness conference
Stage 6: Readiness Conference #2
Settlement Opportunity
- Discuss witnesses/trial
- Set motion hearing dates
- Prepare for trial
Stage 7: Motions
Hearing on the Motions Filed
- Argue motions previously filed
- Review trial strategy
- Subpoena witnesses
- Prepare for trial
- 995 motion (challenge evidence)
- Discovery motions
Stage 8: Trial
Jury Trial
- Pick a jury (voir dire)
- Opening statements
- Prosecution puts on its case
- Mid trial motions
- Defense puts on its case
- End of trial motions
- Closing arguments
- Verdict
