DeWitt County Criminal Court handles all criminal cases that are filed in DeWitt County. See below for more information about criminal cases in DeWitt County.
Jury Deliberation
In a jury trial in DeWitt 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.
DeWitt County Prosecutor
For criminal cases in DeWitt County, the prosecutor will be a representative of DeWitt County. The DeWitt County prosecutor reviews all evidence and ultimately decides whether to file or dismiss charges in the case. Most of the time, the prosecutor has leeway in plea negotiations and determines how the case will be prosecuted.
Burden of Proof Requirement
In a criminal case in the United States, the burden of proof always requires the prosecutor to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant is guilty. This is a high threshold that must be met by the prosecution when presenting evidence in a case. If the prosecution fails in it’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt the judge must find the defendant not guilty. In a jury trial, the judge will inform the jury what this burden is and their obligation to find the defendant not guilty if they feel the prosecution did prove the defendant’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
If guilty, who sentences the defendant?
If the defendant is found guilty after the trial, the defendent will be sentenced. In some cases, this can occur at the same hearing the defendant is found guilty in court, in other cases a separate hearing will be required. Often the prosecution will request a particular sentence for the defendant and the judge will determine whether to enforce this sentence or impose a different sentence for the defendant.
Required Court Appearances in DeWitt County
Any required court appearances in DeWitt County Criminal Court must be attended by the defendant. Failure to appear in court at your required date and time may result in the judge issuing an arrest warrant.
I need help for my DeWitt 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 DeWitt 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 DeWitt 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.
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.
Plea Agreements
A Plea Agreement, sometimes known as a Plea Bargain is an agreement between the prosecution and the defendant, where the defendant pleads guilty or no contest often in exchange for a lesser charge or lighter recommended sentence. A large majority of criminal cases end in a plea agreement. In DeWitt County you can inform your attorney to negotiate with the prosecution to attempt to come to a plea agreement, but this is dependent upon the charge severity and also the prosecutors willingness to accept a plea deal.
What happens in DeWitt County at an arraignment?
In DeWitt 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.
The Right to Counsel
The Fifth and Sixth Amendments to the U.s. Constitution give defendants in criminal cases the right to counsel/attorney. If you cannot afford an attorney one will be appointed to represent you. Like other rights a defendant has, this one can be waived as well and alternatively you can choose to represent yourself.
DeWitt County Criminal Court hearings
Criminal hearings in DeWitt County will take place at the DeWitt County Criminal Courts. Please see here for a list of the DeWitt County Criminal Court Locations.
Appealing a guilty verdict
A defendant may appeal a guilty verdict to an appellate court. This is not a request to have another trial, but a request for an appellate court to review the case and determine that it was handled in a correct legal manner. There are a number of outcomes in an appeal including an upholding of the conviction, a finding that errors were made resulting in a retrial or resentencing or possibly a complete disimissal of all charges.
DeWitt County Criminal Court Locations
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DeWitt County 24th District Court
Address: 307 N Gonzales St, PO Box 845, Cuero TX 77954
Phone: 361-275-0931 Fax: 361-275-0934 -
DeWitt County 135th District Court
Address: 307 N Gonzales St, PO Box 845, Cuero TX 77954
Phone: 361-275-0931 Fax: 361-275-0934 -
DeWitt County 267th District Court
Address: 307 N Gonzales St, PO Box 845, Cuero TX 77954
Phone: 361-275-0931 Fax: 361-275-0934 -
DeWitt County Constitutional Court
Address: 307 N Gonzales St, Cuero TX 77954
Phone: 361-275-0864 Fax: 361-275-0866 -
DeWitt County Justice of the Peace Precinct 1
Address: 208 E Live Oak St, Suite D, Cuero TX 77954
Phone: 361-275-3443 Fax: 361-275-9220 -
DeWitt County Justice of the Peace Precinct 2
Address: PO Box 336, Yorktown TX 78164
Phone: 361-564-9410 Fax: 361-564-9476 -
Cuero Municipal Court
Address: 212 E Main St, Cuero TX 77954
Phone: 361-275-8559 Fax: 361-275-6265 -
Yorktown Municipal Court
Address: PO Box 336, Yorktown TX 78164
Phone: 361-564-9410