Wilcox County Criminal Court hears all criminal cases in Wilcox County. Below you will find specific information about criminal cases and how they are handled in Wilcox County.
Jury Deliberation
In a jury trial in Wilcox County, after both the prosecution and defense have rested, the judge will give instructions to the jury and jury deliberations will begin. The jury will convence in a private room to discuss and deliberate the innocence or guilt of the defendant. Once the jury arrives at a unimanous decision, they will inform the judge that they have reached a decision. They will return to the court and the verdict will be read aloud. If the jury cannot reach a unaminous decision, the jury is said to be deadlocked and a mistrial will be declared in the case.
Wilcox County Criminal Court hearings
Criminal hearings in Wilcox County will take place at the Wilcox County Criminal Courts. Please see here for a list of the Wilcox County Criminal Court Locations.
Wilcox County Criminal Court
What is a Plea Agreement?
A plea agreement is a deal made between the prosecution and the defendant in a case, where the defendant agrees to plea guilty to a particular charge in exchange for some concession from the prosecutor. In practice, more than 90% of criminal cases end with a plea agreement.
Jury by Trial Right
The US Constitution (Article 3 along with the 6th Amendment) ensures an accused defendant the right to a jury trial. This applies to crimes that have a $500 fine or a potential sentence of six months in jail (aka Serious Crimes). This right to trial by jury can also be waived by a defendant.
What if I can’t afford an attorney?
The 6th Amendment guarantees you the right to an attorney whether or not you can afford one. If you cannot afford one, a public defender will be appointed by the court to represent you.
What is the Burden of Proof?
The term “Burden of Proof” means that the prosecutor is required to prove the guilt of the defendant beyond a reasonable doubt. If the prosecutor cannot provide proof of the defendants guilt, then the judge or jury in a trial must find the defendant not guilty. In the United States the principle innocent until proven guilty derives from this that the defendant is assumed innocent and the prosecution has the burden of proving beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant is guilty.
Prosecutor in Wilcox County
In Wilcox County, the prosecutor is an attorney representing Wilcox County. In some cases, the prosecutor may actually represent Alabama. For the most part, the prosecutor in Wilcox County has discretion to both decide whether to file charges and also negotiate a potential plea deal with the defendant.
I need help for my Wilcox County criminal case
The best place to get information about your criminal case is from an attorney. If you cannot afford an attorney, the court will appoint one to represent you which will assist in your case. For general information about your case the Wilcox County court clerk is able to provide general information about your specific case (e.g. date/time hearings, mandatory appearance, what will take place and what you will be required to do). The court clerk for Wilcox County will NOT be able to provide legal advice for your case, only an attorney can provide legal advice. The court clerk can provide legal information (like the information found on this website) about your case but cannot provide advice about what you should do in your legal manner.
What happens in Wilcox County at an arraignment?
In Wilcox County the defendant is brought into court and informed by the judge of the charges that have been filed against them along with informing them of their rights. At this time, the defendant can plead guilty, not guilty or no contest. If the defendant pleads guilty or no contest, there will be no trial and the defendant may be sentenced immediately or at a later date. If the defendant pleads not guilty a trial date is set.
Appealing a Criminal Conviciton
A defendant may appeal a criminal conviction to an appellate court. In an appeal, the actual trial is not redone, but the appellate court hears arguments that the criminal case was not handled in a legal manner at the original criminal court. The appellate court can either uphold the conviction, or determine that errors were made and may request a retrial, a resentencing of the defendant or that the charges be dismissed.
Sentencing in Wilcox County
In Wilcox County if the defendant is found guilty (by trial or plea), the defendant will be sentenced. This sometimes occurrs immediately after being found guilty, but can also take place at a later date. In most instances, a judge will impose the sentence that is requested by the prosecution, but they also have the descretion to impose a different sentence.
Wilcox County Required Court Appearances
In Wilcox County, there are both required and non-required court appearances for the defendant. At a required or mandatory appearance hearing, the defendant is required to appear in person before the court. Failing to appear at your required hearing may result in a bench warrant being issued for your arrest by the judge.
Wilcox County Criminal Court Locations
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Wilcox County Circuit Court
Address: 12 Water St, PO Box 608, Camden AL 36726
Phone: 334-682-4126 Fax: 334-682-4025 -
Wilcox County District Court
Address: 12 Water St, PO Box 608, Camden AL 36726
Phone: 334-682-4126 Fax: 334-682-4025 -
Camden Municipal Court
Address: 108 Water St, Camden AL 36726
Phone: 334-682-4603 -
Pine Hill Municipal Court
Address: 50 Dunn Street, Pine Hill, AL 36769
Phone: 334-963-4351