If you or a loved one has been arrested, you are likely very concerned about what will happen. Having information regarding the Wisconsin arrest process will help you to make important decisions regarding your defense against criminal charges.
Issuing an Arrest Warrant | Waukesha Arrest
Following an investigation, law enforcement may request that a judge provide an arrest warrant. After an arrest is carried out, a suspect will appear before a judge, who will either set bail or decline to set bail.
What is Bail? How is the Bail Amount Determined in Wisconsin?
Bail is a process in which a suspect pays a set amount of money to obtain release from police custody. The bail amount is set after weighing the seriousness of the crime, the defendant’s record, his or her ties to the community among other factors.
If after posting bail, a suspect fails to appear in court for scheduled criminal proceedings, the bail will be forfeited and an arrest warrant will be issued. If a judge declines to set bail, a suspect will remain in jail until trial.
What Happens During Arraignment?
At an arraignment, a judge will inform the accused of the criminal charges against him or her and determine if a court-appointed lawyer is needed. The accused will enter a plea to the charges and future court dates will be set.
What to Expect at a Milwaukee Preliminary Hearing
To determine if the case can proceed, a preliminary hearing is held where the prosecution must provide evidence to substantiate the charges against the defendant. The defense attorney can counter the prosecution’s assertions at the hearing.
Wisconsin Plea Bargaining
Sometimes the criminal matter can be resolved through negotiation. A criminal defendant and the prosecution can reach an agreement, or plea bargain, where the defendant admits guilt in exchange for a reduction in charges or a lenient sentence.
Wisconsin Trial and Sentencing
If no agreement is reached prior to the trial date, the case may proceed to trial and subsequent sentencing. At trial, both the prosecution and defense attorneys will provide opening and closing statements, introduce evidence and question witnesses.
If a defendant is found guilty, sentences for lesser offenses may be issued immediately following trial. For more serious offenses, sentences may be delayed so that the prosecution and defense can submit evidence and make arguments about the appropriate sentencing. A finding of guilt can result in incarceration, fines, restitution and probation depending on the crime.
Contact an Experienced Criminal Defense Attorney for Help
Being accused of a crime is a frightening experience. If you or a loved one has been arrested in Wisconsin, contact the criminal defense law offices of Andrew C. Ladd for immediate help. Our experienced attorneys will aggressively defend you against the charges you face including drug charges, assault and battery, sex offenses, theft, weapons charges and more. Contact us today - free consultation.
