Being charged in a criminal case is overwhelming.  United States versus you is even worse.  We are here to help.  A federal case moves through a series of distinct phases.  Each phase has certain events which happen and their own lingo. This section is intended to help you become familiar with the phases and lingo of a federal court case.

Flowchart of a Federal Case

Flowchart of a Federal Case

Initial Appearance & Arraignment

Initial Appearance & Arraignment

Detention Hearing

Detention Hearing

Discovery & Investigation

Discovery & Investigation

Motions

Motions

Plea Negotiations

Plea Negotiations

Trial

Trial

Guilty Plea & Sentencing

Guilty Plea & Sentencing

Appeal & Post-Conviction

Appeal & Post-Conviction