If a defendant enters a ‘not guilty’ plea in a misdemeanor case, after the arraignment and before the trial, then the prosecution and defence will need exchange information. During this ‘discovery’ the defendant will be limited in what information he/she will have access to but the lawyers are often given full access. However the lawyers must protect peoples identities such as witnesses, and can’t reveal things to their clients or the public. For this reason, it is crucial the accused to seek professional counsel because they will have access to more information pertaining to his/her case and therefore will be able to best defend them in their case.

The defendant can change their plea before the trial and the defendant and prosecutor can file pretrail motions; for things from motions to set aside a complaint to issues with evidence being included in the trial. During this time the judge and lawyers for both sides will be able to discuss how to resolve the case and avoid going to trail. For more information please call the criminal defense attorney in Orange County to discuss your case.