May 13, 2022 | Criminal Defense

Being arrested for a crime can be frightening, especially when you are not familiar with the criminal courts and the process of prosecuting crimes. Misdemeanor charges are generally handled through plea agreements.

However, if you are charged with a felony, your case may not be as easy to resolve. Felony convictions have severe penalties. If your case goes to trial, a disposition hearing will be the final resolution of your criminal case unless you decide to appeal the outcome of your case.

When Does a Disposition Hearing Take Place?

A disposition hearing is one of the steps in the process of prosecuting a felony case in Dayton. The disposition hearing comes after you enter a plea agreement or go through a criminal trial and receive a verdict from the judge or a jury. Then, the court sets a date for the disposition hearing.

What Happens at a Disposition Hearing?

At a disposition hearing, the judge determines your sentence. Before the judge orders your sentence, parties may argue for or against a lesser or more severe sentence. 

Your attorneys may present written or oral arguments proposing a specific sentence. Letters of support might be entered from your family and friends. Witnesses may be allowed to speak and advocate for a harsher or less severe sentence, and you may address the court.

After the judge imposes your sentence, you might be taken into custody immediately. Alternatively, you could be given a report date to report to prison or jail. The disposition hearing ends your Criminal case. 

You may proceed with post-conviction appeals. You have 30 days to file a notice of appeal from the date of the final appealable order. There are strict deadlines for the appeals process. 

Your attorney may discuss several post-conviction options to obtain relief from the trial court’s final order.

How Can I Avoid a Disposition Hearing in Criminal Court?

The only way to avoid a disposition hearing in criminal court is to be acquitted of the criminal charges at trial, or the court dismisses the criminal charges before a verdict. Fighting criminal charges requires skill, experience, resources, and time. The best way to fight criminal charges is to hire a criminal defense lawyer.

An attorney can help you fight criminal charges in numerous ways. A criminal defense attorney:

  • Evaluates the criminal charges against you and provides a realistic assessment of your options
  • Investigates your arrest and the charges against you to determine if law enforcement violated your legal rights
  • Develops a defense strategy based on the facts and circumstances of your case
  • Guides you through the judicial process, including educating you on the laws that apply in your case and the rules of court
  • Hires private investigators, expert witnesses, and our resources to work on your defense
  • Helps you determine whether you want to accept a plea deal or take the case to court
  • Aggressively negotiates with the prosecutor to reduce the charges and accept a reduced sentence as a plea bargain or agree to alternative sentencing options
  • Presents a solid defense in court and advocate on your behalf

Facing criminal charges without an experienced defense lawyer is not in your best interest. 

The prosecutor already believes you are guilty. Jurors are unpredictable. You need someone on your side protecting your legal rights and working on getting you the best possible outcome for your case.

What Should I Do if I Am Arrested in Dayton?

Contact a criminal defense lawyer immediately. Even if you suspect law enforcement officers are investigating you for sex crimes, theft, or drug crimes, you need an attorney. Everything you do from this point forward could significantly impact the outcome of your case.

Talking to the police does not help your case. Any information you give while cooperating to “get a deal” could be used against you. The police officers think you are guilty, so they are not interested in helping you prove your innocence. 

Instead of talking to the police, talk with a lawyer. Exercise your right to remain silent. Let a criminal defense lawyer handle the matter. 

You can help your attorney by following his legal advice. Do not attempt to contact anyone involved in your case, including alleged victims or co-defendants. Instead, write a list of witnesses or people who have information about the alleged crime, an alibi, or other relevant information that can help you prepare a defense.

If you have questions or concerns, ask your attorney before acting. During the pre-trial phase, you want to stay off the police’s radar and let your attorney advocate on your behalf.

Contact the Dayton Criminal Defense Attorneys at Suhre & Associates, LLC For Help Today

For more information, contact the criminal defense attorneys at Suhre & Associates, LLC give us a call today at (937) 531-0435 or visit us at our Dayton law office.

Suhre & Associates, LLC – Dayton
130 West Second Street #17-129
Dayton, OH 45402
United States