When charged with a crime, there are many different facets of the legal system that can influence the outcome of your case. However, it’s vital to understand the role of each entity. One of the most significant people involved in your case is the prosecutor. If you are unfamiliar with this entity and their role in criminal trials, it’s imperative to continue reading. You’ll discover what the prosecution does and how Houston criminal defense attorneys can assist you if facing charges.
What Is a Prosecutor?
A prosecutor is the attorney who charges a person with criminal activity. Though the police may have arrested you, the prosecutor is the person who decides what charges you will face after examining the evidence. In most instances, this individual is working on behalf of the state.
What Are Their Responsibilities?
The prosecutor of your case will gather and examine evidence against you to hold you criminally responsible for your actions. Additionally, they are responsible for presenting your case in trial.
Once the prosecution of your case has sufficient evidence, they will present it before a grand jury. This is essentially where a jury of your peers will determine if you should be indicted for the crimes you are accused of. If they do vote to indict you, you will be formally charged.
If your case proceeds to trial, the role of the protection is to prove, beyond a reasonable doubt, that you are guilty of the alleged crime. They will call witnesses, present evidence, and examine different facets of the law to prove to the jury that you are responsible for the crimes. The burden of proof to demonstrate that you are guilty of the alleged crime falls on the prosecution.
The prosecutor is also the only entity that can offer you a plea bargain. This allows you to plead guilty to the crime in exchange for lesser charges. Additionally, the prosecutor represents children and victims of domestic violence when they have orders of protection against another individual.
How Can a Texas Defense Attorney Assist if I’m Charged With a Crime?
If you are facing criminal activity, it’s imperative to ensure you contact an experienced defense attorney as soon as possible. Trying to navigate a criminal trial on your own against a trained prosecutor rarely will likely have a negative outcome.
Your attorney will cast doubt on the prosecution’s argument to help prove that you are not guilty. They can do this in several ways, such as calling witnesses, providing an alibi, or showing how procedural errors could impact your case.
When you need help fighting for your rights, the dedicated team a the Gonzalez Law Group is here to assist. We understand how nerve-wracking it can be to face criminal charges. As such, we will do everything possible to fight for the justice you deserve. Contact our firm today to learn how we can help you.
