Understanding the Criminal Justice System
When you’ve been charged with a crime, waiting for a trial or hearing date can be unbearable. Understandably, most criminal defendants just want to get their trial over with so they can move on with their lives. Although delays may be inevitable, knowing the reason behind them may help you weather the wait a little easier.
Trials and hearings can be delayed for a variety of reasons. The following are some of the most common.
Most prosecutors have a full caseload and then some. They juggle a high volume of cases, and it is inevitable that they will occasionally fall behind. If your case is particularly complex, there is generally a greater chance that the prosecutor will require more time to prepare. Of course, the same can be said for criminal defense attorneys. Although it can be frustrating to wait, you want your lawyer to be as prepared as possible, which includes having time to gather all available evidence in your defense.
Like prosecutor caseloads, court dockets are usually full. In many cases, courts schedule multiple trials on the same day, anticipating that one or more defendants will accept a plea, removing the need for a full trial. Problems arise when this fails to happen and two trials are scheduled on the same day. In these situations, at least one trial will get bumped. If it is yours, you must wait until the next available date. This is more likely to happen in cases where a criminal defendant is released on bail and free to continue daily life while the case is pending.
Just as courts have overbooked calendars, attorneys on one or both sides may be scheduled for multiple hearing dates on the same day, requiring shifts in scheduling to accommodate everyone.
In criminal trials, the defense frequently depends on testimony from witnesses. Emergencies, illnesses, and last-minute scheduling conflicts can force a witness to be unavailable on a specific day.
Trial delays may be a fact of life, but you shouldn’t have to wait for your lawyer to respond to your questions and concerns. I pride myself of being accessible to my clients. Call Razumich Law, P.C. today at 317-989-1129 for a free consultation.
