Steps in the process with Ellis Criminal Law

Being charged with a criminal offense can be a daunting experience, but understanding the legal process can help alleviate some of the stress. Here's what you can expect:

Preliminary Work:

1. Initial Court Appearance: Your case begins with either an arrest or a summons to appear in court. While we will attend court on your behalf, you must call our office at 9:30 a.m. on your first court date only.

2. Request for Disclosure: Upon being retained, we will immediately request all disclosure from the Crown Attorney. This includes information provided by the police, such as witness statements and police notes.

3. Adjournments: We may need to adjourn your matter several times before setting a final date for resolution or trial. This is a normal part of the process and allows us to prepare your case effectively.

Court Process:

1. Update After Each Appearance: We will contact you within two business days after each court appearance to provide you with an update on your case.

2. Meetings with Crown Attorney: We will schedule meetings with the Crown Attorney to discuss your case and explore potential resolutions.

3. Judicial Pre-Trial Conference: If necessary, we will meet with a Judge and the Crown Attorney to attempt to reach an early resolution. If unsuccessful, we will proceed to trial.

Typical Court Steps:

1. Court Appearance: We attend court to request disclosure and note our representation.

2. Disclosure Review: We review the disclosure and request any additional information needed.

3. Resolution Meeting: We meet with the Crown Attorney to discuss potential resolutions.

4. Trial Readiness Certificate: We complete the necessary paperwork to certify readiness for trial.

5. Judicial Pre-Trial: We meet with a Judge and the Crown Attorney to attempt a resolution.

6. Trial or Plea Date: We attend court to select a trial date or enter a plea.

Important Reminders:

- Timeframe: Most cases take between 2 to 6 months to complete, though some may take longer if set for a preliminary hearing or trial.

- Team Approach: Our firm utilizes a team approach to handle your case efficiently and provide unparalleled service.

- Maintain Contact Information: It's crucial to keep your contact information updated to ensure effective communication and representation.

- Understand Conditions of Release: Familiarize yourself with the conditions of your release to avoid further legal complications.

- Confidentiality: For confidentiality reasons, we can only discuss your case with you, not your family or friends.

Understanding the steps involved in the legal process can help alleviate some of the uncertainty and stress associated with being charged with a criminal offense. If you have any questions or concerns, don't hesitate to reach out to our office for assistance.