Who attends a scheduling conference?

Who attends a scheduling conference?

At the Scheduling Conference, the Judge or Magistrate may order you to participate in one or more programs offered by or through the Circuit Court. Each step in the development of your case has been designed to offer information, counseling and support to make your own decisions.

What is the next step after grand jury indictment?

After a grand jury indictment, a defendant has the opportunity to enter a plea. A guilty plea could lead to a quick sentencing hearing or the imposition of a pre-arranged plea bargain with prosecutors. If a defendant pleads not guilty, the case will move forward to trial.

What happens if you are not indicted?

If the grand jury decides not to indict, it returns a “no bill.” However, even if a grand jury doesn’t indict, the prosecutor can return to the same grand jury and present additional evidence, get a new grand jury, or even file criminal charges regardless.

When someone is indicted what happens?

After the prosecutor studies the information from investigators and the information they gather from talking with the individuals involved, the prosecutor decides whether to present the case to the grand jury. When a person is indicted, they are given formal notice that it is believed that they committed a crime.

What is the difference between convicted and indicted?

Being Convicted vs Being Indicted While an indictment means you have been formally charged with a crime in Utah, a conviction means you have been found guilty of committing the crime. Once the indictment has established there is enough evidence to charge you with a crime, your case proceeds to a criminal trial.

How do secret indictments work?

No arrest is necessary in order for a secret indictment. A secret indictment is where the prosecutor presents the case to the grand jury without your knowledge. You need to retain a good criminal defense attorney immediately.

What happens when a grand jury issues a secret or sealed indictment?

A sealed indictment bypasses a preliminary hearing and the charge is brought directly to a grand jury. The prosecution might use a sealed indictment in drug manufacturing and distribution cases. A sealed indictment is not accessible to the public and the names of any witnesses are kept secret until right before trial.

Why would you seal an indictment?

Typically, sealed indictments are used as a tool to arrest a defendant quickly and without notice. Even in the event that a client is cooperating with an investigation, a sealed indictment may still be utilized to arrest a defendant.

Do indictments expire?

An indictment does not expire. There is a statute of limitations for every offense, That is the time in which the State has to file a case.

What is the legal definition of indictment?

An indictment formally charges a person with a criminal offense. During an indictment proceeding, a grand jury determines that there is adequate basis for bringing criminal charges against a suspected criminal actor.

Why does a case go to the grand jury?

Instead, a prosecutor will work with a grand jury to decide whether to bring criminal charges or an indictment against a potential defendant — usually reserved for serious felonies. Grand jury members may be called for jury duty for months at a time, but need only appear in court for a few days out of every month.

What is the main purpose of an indictment?

The purpose of an indictment is to inform an accused individual of the charge against him or her so that the person will be able to prepare a defense.

What is a grand indictment?

Unlike misdemeanor charges, which are brought on by an “information” and complaint, felony charges must be brought on by a grand jury indictment, meaning the charge(s) must be brought before a grand jury of 12 jurors, who then submit a vote on the charges.

Can a person be forced to testify?

As a general rule, a court can force you to testify after sending you a subpoena informing you what testimony they need. Criminal defendants can never be forced to testify. The witness is married to someone involved in the case: Communication between two spouses is considered privileged by courts.