How is the criminal justice system organized? If you lose
your trial, how many appeals do you really have? How many opportunities are
there for you to assert your innocence, and argue for your freedom, or a
reduced sentence? This series of articles will provide the general structure to
the “legal system.”
The easiest way to conceptualize the system is to imagine a
pyramid. The lowest level is the "base," representing your local
state and federal trial courts (named either "district" or
“circuit"). All cases start here, after charges are filed by the local
authorities. You are then brought in front of a trial judge for determination
of guilt, innocence (by trial or plea bargaining). Above the base is a level of
appellate courts (a "Court of Appeals" beneath a "Supreme
Court") comprised of multi-judge panels who review trial court rulings.
And beyond the appellate courts is a level of "post-conviction"
courts where a person convicted can seek one final review of his or her trial
attorney's performance.
Jonathan Laurans wants you to be educated as to what you may
be facing. If you or a loved one has
been convicted of a crime in Missouri, Kansas or Texas, or in any federal
court, contact him immediately. Visit
his website at www.kansascitymoattorney.com and then call him at (816) 421-5200
for a FREE initial legal consultation.
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