Nebraska Criminal Law Attorneys

A criminal attorney in Nebraska explains why criminal trials take so long

The fact gathering process called discovery is one reason that criminal trials can often take so long. Attorneys on both sides try to find as much evidence as possible during the criminal law process.

Requests for continuance can slow the process down even further. Continuances reset trial dates until a future time. This delaying tactic is sometimes followed by defense attorneys to reduce prejudice or weaken the case of the prosecution.

Overall, though, criminal trials take so long because so many steps are involved in the process. In order for you to know what to expect, our Nebraska criminal defense attorneys at McGoughLaw P.C. L.L.O. explain the often lengthy procedures followed in the criminal trial process.

A criminal trial happens as follows:

• Jury selection. If a trial is held before a jury, the defense and prosecution select the jury through a question and answer process called voir dire. The judge carries out this process using questions by the attorneys and this judge
• Opening statements. Both prosecution and defense make opening statements to the judge or jury outlining what each side expects to prove.
• Prosecution case-in-chief. The prosecution presents its case through examination of witnesses by prosecutor.
• Cross-examination. The defense may cross-examine these witnesses.
• Redirect. The prosecution may re-examine these witnesses.
• Prosecution rests. The prosecution finishes presenting its case.
• Defense case-in-chief. The defense presents its case through examination of defense witnesses.
• Cross-examination. The prosecutor cross-examines these witnesses
• Redirect. The defense re-examines their witnesses.
• Defense rests. The defense finishes presenting its case.
• Prosecution closing argument. The prosecution makes its closing argument, summarizing evidence explaining why the jury should render a guilty verdict.
• Defense closing argument. The defense makes its closing argument, summarizing evidence explaining why the jury should render a “not guilty” verdict.
• Jury deliberations. The jury deliberates to reach a verdict.
• Post-trial motions. If jury produces a guilty verdict, the defense makes post-trial motions requesting the judge to override the jury and grant a new trial or acquit the defendant.
• Sentencing. Assuming a conviction, the judge sentences on the spot or sets it for another day.

A Nebraska criminal attorney is your best defense

When you need an experienced criminal defense attorney in Nebraska to aggressively defend you, contact the criminal defense law firm of McGoughLaw P.C. L.L.O today.