Let's say someone murdered their spouse. What happens after that person hires a defense attorney. What's the entire process... in detail please. I really need this info. for research.
Thank you!
2007-10-05 09:28:19 · 3 answers · asked by Anonymous in Politics & Government ➔ Law Enforcement & Police
There will be a period of evidene gathering. The prosecution (and both sides I think) have to share evidence with each other. this is called "discovery".
Eventually there will be a meeting with the Court to determine that the charges still match the evidence.
Then a trial date will be set, and the trial will occur.
I hope you are not thinking of killing anyone, or that anyone you know is. Becuase posting this question is surely going to be evidence of "malice aforethought" which is an important distiction between firest degree murder and lesser degrees of homicide.
I don't know for sure that you would pay attorney;s fees up front, but attorneys who specialize in handling murder defenses will want some assurance on the fees, for sure.
Of course, if the case is spectcular enough, they wil do it for free for the publicity. That is what happened with Scott Peterson for instance, and no doubt OJ got a very reduced rate as well.
2007-10-05 11:52:41 · answer #1 · answered by Barry C 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You can be appointed an overworked public defense attorney if you can't afford one, but for a murder case, I'd hire one.
The important thing is to keep your trap shut, don't sign anything, and talk only to your lawyer.
2007-10-05 17:15:17 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The defendant usually has to pay a hefty fee up front, to get the attorney to represent him.
2007-10-05 16:33:22 · answer #3 · answered by regerugged 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋