What to Expect During a Criminal Trial

As a leading criminal defense firm in San Antonio, New Braunfels, San Marcos, and Austin, DWI Guys Texas understands the stress and uncertainty that comes with facing a criminal trial. If you’re charged with a DWI or another criminal offense in Texas, it’s essential to know what to expect during the trial process. Our skilled attorneys are here to provide you with the knowledge and guidance you need to navigate these trying times.

The Pre-Trial Process

Before a criminal trial begins, the court will go through several pre-trial steps. In Texas, this typically includes the following:

Arraignment: During the arraignment, you’ll be formally charged with the offense(s) and asked to enter a plea (guilty, not guilty, or no contest).
Discovery: Both the defense and the prosecution exchange evidence, including witness lists, police reports, and lab results.
Pre-trial motions: Your attorney may file motions to suppress evidence or to request specific actions from the court.
Plea bargaining: In some cases, the prosecution may offer a plea deal to resolve the case without going to trial.

The Trial Process

If your case proceeds to trial, it will typically follow these steps:

Jury selection: A jury will be chosen from a pool of potential jurors. Both the prosecution and defense have the opportunity to question and challenge jurors to ensure a fair and impartial jury.
Opening statements: Both the prosecution and defense will present an overview of their case to the jury.
Presentation of evidence: The prosecution will present its evidence and call witnesses to testify. The defense will then have an opportunity to cross-examine the witnesses and present their evidence.
Closing arguments: Each side will summarize their case and make a final plea to the jury.
Jury instructions: The judge will provide instructions to the jury on the relevant laws and how to deliberate.
Deliberations: The jury will discuss the case privately and decide on a verdict.
Verdict: The jury will announce their decision, and the judge will enter the verdict into the record.

Sentencing

If the jury finds you guilty, the judge will determine your sentence. In Texas, DWI convictions can result in fines, license suspension, probation, and even jail time. The severity of the sentence depends on factors such as the nature of the offense, any prior convictions, and other circumstances.

Appeals

If you believe there were errors during your trial that affected the outcome, you have the right to appeal the verdict. An appeal is a request for a higher court to review the case and determine if any legal errors occurred.

DWI Guys Texas: Your Trusted Criminal Defense Partner

At DWI Guys Texas, our experienced criminal defense attorneys have a deep understanding of the criminal trial process in San Antonio, New Braunfels, San Marcos, and Austin. We will aggressively advocate for your rights and work tirelessly to build a solid defense strategy for your case. If you’re facing a DWI or other criminal charges, don’t hesitate to contact us for a free consultation.

Call DWI Guys Texas at (210) 570-2590 today and let us help you navigate the complexities of the criminal trial process.

Disclaimer: The content on this website is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or establish an attorney-client relationship. Do not act or rely on this information without consulting a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction. Contacting this law firm or its attorneys through this site does not create an attorney-client relationship or duty of confidentiality.