What happens at a district court hearing?

What happens at a district court hearing?

Each party calls witnesses to support their case, who may be questioned by both sides. Once all evidence has been presented, the jury (or the judge) decides whether the accused is guilty or not guilty of the charges. If the jury (or judge) finds the accused: not guiltythe judge dismisses the charges.

How do I file for divorce in Williamson County?

Bring your Original Petition for Divorce and 2 copies to the District Clerk’s office to be filed. Filing fees are due at the time of filing. The Petition will be filed stamped, assigned a cause number and court.

What types of legal disputes do Texas courts address?

District courts have original jurisdiction in all felony criminal cases, divorce cases, cases involving title to land, election contest cases, civil matters in which the amount in controversy (the amount of money or damages involved) is $200 or more, and any matters in which jurisdiction is not placed exclusively in …

What types of cases are heard in the judicial branch?

More specifically, federal courts hear criminal, civil, and bankruptcy cases. And once a case is decided, it can often be appealed.

What exactly does a judge do?

The role of the judge is to keep order or to tell you the sentence of the person. In cases with a jury, the judge is responsible for insuring that the law is followed, and the jury determines the facts. In cases without a jury, the judge also is the finder of fact.

What are five duties of the judge?

Judge Duties & ResponsibilitiesHear allegations of the prosecuting and defending parties.Listen to witness testimony.Rule on the admissibility of evidence.Inform defendants of their rights.Instruct the jury.Question witnesses.Rule on motions presented by counsel.

What can judges not do?

A judge should not allow family, social, political, financial, or other relationships to influence judicial conduct or judgment.

Who determines if there is enough evidence to go to trial?

A criminal case usually gets started with a police arrest report. The prosecutor then decides what criminal charges to file, if any. Some cases go to a preliminary hearing, where a judge decides if there is enough evidence to proceed. Cases can also start when a grand jury issues a criminal indictment.

Can you be found guilty on hearsay?

There are many exceptions to the hearsay rule where an out of court statement would be admissible. Can I be convicted if the only evidence is the word of one person? Unfortunately, the answer is yes, if the jury believes that one witness beyond a reasonable doubt.

Do all police reports go to the prosecutor?

Not all police reports result in an arrest. A report is evaluated by the police before they pass it on to the prosecutor. After review by the police it can be held by the police to see if this is a reoccurring problem or it can be sent to the prosecutor’s office.

Can a victim talk to a prosecutor?

The defense, like the police, may electronically record conversations without your knowledge or consent. A crime victim has the right to choose whether or not to have contact with a defense investigator. A crime victim has the right to have a prosecutor or other person present for any contacts.