Criminal Law

Law enforcement investigates a suspected crime. If they develop probable cause, they may arrest you with or without a warrant. Police can arrest without a warrant if they witness a crime or have probable cause to believe a crime has been or is being committed.

What to Expect

• Police may question you or request to search your person or property

• You may be arrested at the scene or later via a warrant

• You will be read your Miranda rights upon arrest

How The Oliver Law Firm Helps

We advise you on your rights during investigation, ensure law enforcement follows proper procedures, and challenge any unlawful searches or arrests.

After arrest, you are taken to a local jail for booking. This includes fingerprinting, photographing, and recording personal information. A magistrate judge will typically set bail within 48 hours of arrest.

What to Expect

• Processing at the county jail (fingerprints, mugshot, personal info)

• A magistrate hearing to determine bail amount

• Possible release on personal recognizance, cash bond, or surety bond

How The Oliver Law Firm Helps

We work to secure your release as quickly as possible by advocating for reasonable bail or personal recognizance bond at the magistrate hearing.

This is the first formal court appearance where the charges against you are read. You will enter a plea of guilty or not guilty. This typically occurs within a few days to weeks after arrest.

What to Expect

• Formal reading of charges against you

• Opportunity to enter your plea

• Judge may modify bail conditions

• Court dates will be set for future proceedings

How The Oliver Law Firm Helps

We prepare you for your appearance, advise on the best plea strategy, and advocate for favorable bail conditions on your behalf.

Generally, for felony charges, the case must go before a grand jury. The grand jury reviews evidence presented by the prosecutor and decides whether there is enough probable cause to formally charge (indict) you. This is not a trial — the defense usually does not present evidence at this stage.

What to Expect

• Prosecutor presents evidence to a panel of citizens

• Grand jury decides to indict (true bill) or dismiss (no bill)

• Process is secret — you will not be present

• Indictment formally charges you with a felony

How The Oliver Law Firm Helps

While we generally cannot appear before the grand jury, we can prepare materials for the prosecutor to present, and in some cases, negotiate to prevent indictment entirely.

This is the preparation phase before trial. Both sides exchange evidence, and your attorney may file motions to suppress evidence, dismiss charges, or change venue. This phase is critical to building your defense.

What to Expect

• Exchange of evidence between prosecution and defense

• Possible motions to suppress illegally obtained evidence

• Witness interviews

• Pre-trial hearings on legal issues

How The Oliver Law Firm Helps

We thoroughly investigate your case, review all evidence, identify weaknesses in the prosecution's case, file strategic motions, and build the strongest possible defense.

The vast majority of criminal cases are resolved through plea negotiations. The prosecutor may offer reduced charges or a lighter sentence in exchange for a guilty plea. This can happen at any stage of the process.

What to Expect

• Prosecutor offers a deal — reduced charges or lighter sentence

• You have the right to accept or reject any plea offer

• Judge has discretion whether to accept the plea agreement

• If accepted, there will be no trial

How The Oliver Law Firm Helps

We negotiate strategically on your behalf to secure the best possible outcome, clearly explain all options and consequences, and ensure you make an informed decision.

If no plea agreement is reached, your case goes to trial. You have the right to a jury trial or a bench (judge) trial. The prosecution must prove your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

What to Expect

• Jury selection (voir dire) — both sides question potential jurors

• Opening statements, witness testimony, and cross-examination

• Closing arguments from both sides

• Jury deliberation and verdict (guilty or not guilty)

How The Oliver Law Firm Helps

We present a compelling defense through strategic jury selection, powerful cross-examination, expert witnesses, and persuasive arguments to protect your freedom.

If found guilty or after a plea agreement, the court determines your punishment. Generally, sentencing can be done by the judge or jury. Penalties vary widely based on the offense classification and circumstances.

What to Expect

• Sentencing hearing where both sides present arguments

• Judge or jury determines punishment within statutory range

• Possible outcomes: probation, fines, jail time, or prison

• Victim impact statements may be presented

How The Oliver Law Firm Helps

We advocate for the most lenient sentence possible, present mitigating factors, character witnesses, and argue for alternatives to incarceration when appropriate.

After conviction, you have the right to appeal to a higher court. An appeal argues that legal errors occurred during your trial that affected the outcome. You generally have 10 to 30 days after sentencing to file a notice of appeal.

What to Expect

• Review of trial record for legal errors

• Written briefs submitted to appellate court

• Possible oral arguments before appellate judges

• Court may affirm, reverse, or remand the case

How The Oliver Law Firm Helps

We identify appealable issues, prepare appellate briefs, and argue before the appellate court to seek reversal of wrongful convictions or reduction of excessive sentences.