The Criminal Court Process
One of the first questions that clients often ask is: “What happens next?” Albert M. Raines will answer your questions, and your very important follow-up questions, accurately and patiently. He will make sure not to use “legalese”, and that you understand the process in which you find yourself involved.

Arraignment
For misdemeanor cases, the first hearing is called the arraignment. Your arraignment date will be given to you either at the time of your arrest (listed on your citation), or you may be mailed a summons to appear. At the arraignment, you will be advised of the charge(s) against you, and you will enter your responsive plea. Albert M. Raines will advise and prepare you for this hearing, and, if you wish, do the talking for you. Many times, even the most fearless clients, are uncomfortable in court. A good attorney will be able to step forward to answer critical questions such as the imposition and posting of bail, conditions of pretrial release, and the scheduling of the next hearing.

For misdemeanor cases that do not involve either Domestic Violence or Driving While Under the Influence of Intoxicants (DUI), Albert M. Raines will arrange for you to waive your presence at the arraignment.

For Felony cases, the first appearance is called the preliminary appearance. At this stage, you must appear, and the judge will determine if sufficient grounds for the prosecution to proceed exist. If sufficient grounds to proceed exist, the judge will set conditions for your release or impose bail while setting your next court appearance.

Pretrial Hearing or Case Setting
The next hearing in the criminal process is called the pretrial hearing for misdemeanor cases or the case setting for felony cases. Most cases are resolved at this stage. One or more of these hearings may take place. Before and during these hearings, Albert M. Raines will present your defense to the prosecution to either have the case against you dismissed or to negotiate the best possible resolution for you. If a favorable resolution/disposition can be cannot be reached, further scheduling for the case will occur at this stage.

Motions
Knowledge of your case and the statutes and caselaw that applies to it is absolutely essential to your attorney's ability to successfully defend you. Attempts to either dismiss your case or to suppress evidence such as illegally obtained statements, scientific results are made at the motions hearing. Matters are briefed and argued before the judge. Juries are not available at this stage. Another important aspect of this stage is that you will be able to get a preview of the prosecution's case, and to evaluate the prosecution's witnesses.

Albert M. Raines, due to his years' of judicial service and experience, has seen more cases similar to your matter than other attorneys have seen. Normally, attorneys only see their individual client's cases. However, for many years in many courts, Albert M. Raines saw every single case that came across his judicial bench. This unique experience will serve you and your case at this important stage in the court process because issues that must be raised will be recognized and presented. Success at this stage can back the prosecutor into a corner from which they must listen to further negotiations for favorable dispositions of your case.

Trial
You have the constitutional right to a jury trial to every case except those heard in juvenile court. You may also waive your right to a jury trial in front of our peers, and have your case heard by only the judge.

Albert M. Raines has either tried or observed thousands of trials. His courtroom experience as a former prosecutor and judge has benefited numerous private clients whom he has defended in the courtroom. However, the respect that he has earned in the courtroom will allow him to negotiate in pursuit of a favorable disposition of your case all the way up to the courthouse steps.

Sentencing
After either negotiations result in a favorable disposition of your case or a finding of guilty after trial, a sentence hearing will take place. Various factors, such as the prosecutor's recommendation, prior convictions, and any special circumstances in your case will be considered when the judge uses its discretion to impose your sentence.

Early in the attorney-client relationship, clients often ask “What will the judge do to me in my case?” You are entitled to receive an accurate answer form your attorney to this question. Albert M. Raines will put his unique judicial experience to work for you in order to provide an accurate and meaningful answer to this important question.

Review
After sentencing, courts often hold review hearings to determine if a person is complying with the requirements of their sentence. Harsh consequences may occur if the judge finds that a person is not complying with their sentence for any reason.

Many times, attorneys end their representation of clients after sentencing. Albert M. Raines will continue to advise, represent and defend you up to and through the final hearing until the close of your case at no additional expense to you.