Larkin Ingrassia Criminal Defense Attorneys | June 11, 2025 | Criminal Defense
Being charged with a criminal offense is incredibly overwhelming. In many situations, your case will be concluded with a plea bargain, but sometimes, you could face a trial. Understanding what to expect can help ease some of the anxiety you’re facing.
This article will explore the key stages of a criminal case—from arrest and arraignment to plea deals and trial procedures—so you can be better prepared for what lies ahead. You’ll also learn how an experienced criminal defense attorney can protect your rights and help you pursue the best possible outcome.
Pre-Trial: What Happens Before the Trial Begins?
Before a trial actually begins, there are a few important steps that must take place.
Initial Appearance and Arraignment
The defendant’s first court appearance is called an arraignment. During this hearing, the judge formally presents the charges, explains the maximum penalties, and asks how the defendant pleads—guilty, not guilty, or no contest. The plea entered here determines the direction of the case moving forward.
Bail or Bond Hearing
Shortly after an arrest, a bail or bond hearing is held. At this time, the judge will decide whether the defendant will be released while the trial is ongoing and how much the bail will be. If the case is very serious or the defendant has a significant criminal history, bail may not be an option, or it will be set very high.
In situations where there is little to no criminal history and/or the case is fairly minor and non-violent, bail will be low or the defendant could be released on their own recognizance, meaning they don’t have to pay anything to be released from jail – they just have to sign documents and promise to show up for all future court hearings.
Preliminary Hearing
This step helps decide if there’s enough evidence to bring the case to trial. In felony cases, a preliminary hearing is held, where both sides present their evidence to a judge. If there is enough proof for the case to continue, it moves on to the trial phase.
What Happens Next? Stages of the Trial
Once the pre-trial steps are finished, the case moves into the main part of the criminal trial.
Here’s what typically happens during a New York criminal trial:
Jury Selection (Unless a Bench Trial)
Jurors are chosen from the community to hear the case, unless the defendant has requested a bench trial in which only the judge decides the outcome. Both the defense and prosecution can question potential jurors and suggest dismissing those who may not be impartial.
Opening Statements
At the beginning of the trial, the prosecutor and criminal defense attorney will present opening statements. This is where they outline the basics of their case and explain what they are going to prove throughout the trial. The goal is to provide an overview of what the judge or jury can expect each side to prove.
Presentation of Evidence
The prosecutor begins by presenting evidence, which can include witness testimony, documents, photos, and physical objects. These pieces of evidence are meant to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant committed the crime.
After each prosecution witness testifies, the defense can cross-examine them. This means asking them questions to challenge their version of events, trying to point out inconsistencies in their testimony or challenge their credibility.
Defense’s Case
The defense attorney can now present their side of the case, which also involves calling witnesses to the stand and showing their own evidence of why the defendant is not guilty or how the prosecutor didn’t fully prove their case.
While the defendant doesn’t have to prove their innocence, it’s always a good idea to present as much evidence as possible showing that they didn’t commit the crime. This could include alibi evidence, for example, showing that they were somewhere else when the alleged incident occurred.
Closing Arguments
The prosecutor and defense attorney will both make closing arguments once the case is finished being presented. The prosecutor will go through the reasons why the defendant should be found guilty, and the defense attorney will make arguments as to why it should be an acquittal.
Jury Deliberation (If Applicable)
In jury trials, the jurors discuss the case privately and try to reach a unanimous verdict. During deliberations, they review all the evidence and arguments they’ve heard.
The Verdict and Sentencing
After the trial has concluded and a decision has been made, the judge or jury will announce the verdict—guilty or not guilty (or it could be a mistrial if the jury cannot come to a unanimous decision). The sentence will depend on the defendant’s criminal history as well as the severity of the offense—like whether it’s a felony or a misdemeanor.
Why Hiring a Criminal Defense Lawyer Is Essential
Facing criminal charges is a serious and often life-altering experience. From your initial court appearance to a potential trial, every step of the process carries significant consequences. Having a knowledgeable criminal defense attorney by your side ensures that your rights are protected, your case is properly presented, and your legal options are fully understood.
An experienced lawyer can help you navigate complex procedures, challenge the prosecution’s evidence, and fight for the best possible outcome—whether that means negotiating a favorable plea deal or taking your case to trial.
Contact a New York Criminal Defense Lawyer at Larkin Ingrassia Criminal Defense Attorneys Today
For more information, contact an experienced criminal defense lawyer at Larkin Ingrassia Criminal Defense Attorneys, to schedule a free consultation today. We conveniently serve in 3 locations in New York, including Middletown, Newburgh, and Kingston.
We proudly serve Orange County, Ulster County, and their surrounding areas:
Larkin Ingrassia Criminal Defense Attorneys – Middletown
626 E Main St
Middletown, NY 10940
(845) 566 5345
Larkin Ingrassia Criminal Defense Attorneys – Newburgh
356 Meadow Ave
Newburgh, NY 12550
(845) 566-5345
Larkin Ingrassia Criminal Defense Attorneys – Kingston
233 Fair St Suite #1
Kingston, NY 12401
(845) 566-5345