Jim Wells County Criminal Court handles all criminal cases that are filed in Jim Wells County. See below for more information about criminal cases in Jim Wells County.
Jury Deliberations in Jim Wells County
In Jim Wells County, jury deliberations will take place in a jury trial after the prosecution and defense have presented their cases and rested. At this point, the judge will provide a list of instructions to the jury about what they are allowed and not allowed to do and what verdict options are available for them to decide. The jury will be sent to a private room to discuss the evidence presented in the case and attempt to reach a unaminous decision. When a unaminous decision is reached, the jury will inform the judge that they have reached a verdict and will return to the courtroom for the verdict to be read allowed. In the event that the jury cannot reach a unanimous verdict, the jury results in a deadlock and a mistrial is declared.
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.
Jim Wells County Criminal Court locations
Criminal proceedings take place in the Jim Wells County Criminal Courts. A list of the criminal courts are located here.
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.
Sentencing in Jim Wells County
In Jim Wells 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.
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 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.
Jim Wells County Required Court Appearances
In Jim Wells 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.
The Right to Trial by Jury
The Sixth Amendment of the United States Constitution guarantees the right to a trial by a jury. This is applicable for when the crime can carry a sentence of 6 months in jail OR a $500 fine, these are known as “Serious Crimes”. The defendant can also waive their right to a speedy and public trial.
Prosecutor in Jim Wells County
In Jim Wells County, the prosecutor is an attorney representing Jim Wells County. In some cases, the prosecutor may actually represent Texas. For the most part, the prosecutor in Jim Wells County has discretion to both decide whether to file charges and also negotiate a potential plea deal with the defendant.
What happens in Jim Wells County at an arraignment?
In Jim Wells 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.
Who can help me in Jim Wells County?
For general information about your case the Jim Wells County court clerk will be able to provide legal information about your specific criminal case. Legal information is not legal advice though, the court clerk will only be able to provide information about your case, like date/time of hearings what will occur at the hearing and what you may be required to do in the hearing. They cannot provide advice about what you should do or what the best legal options may be for your particular case. Only an attorney can provide legal advice and this is your best place for information about your specific criminal proceeding. If you cannot afford to hire a private attorney to represent you, a judge will appoint an attorney to represent you, this is most often a public defender.
Jim Wells County Criminal Court Locations
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Jim Wells County 79th District Court
Address: 200 N Almond St, #207, PO Box 2219, Alice TX 78333
Phone: 361-668-5717 Fax: 361-668-5732 -
Jim Wells County Constitutional Court
Address: 200 N Almond St, #103, PO Box 1459, Alice TX 78333
Phone: 361-668-5702 Fax: 361-661-1372 -
Jim Wells County Justice of the Peace Precinct 1
Address: 200 N Almond St, Alice TX 78332
Phone: 361-668-5719 Fax: 361-661-0697 -
Jim Wells County Justice of the Peace Precinct 3
Address: PO Box 150, Sandia TX 78383
Phone: 361-547-9796 Fax: 361-547-0990 -
Jim Wells County Justice of the Peace Precinct 4
Address: PO Drawer H, Premont TX 78375
Phone: 361-348-2773 Fax: 361-348-2082 -
Jim Wells County Justice of the Peace Precinct 5
Address: PO Box 331, Orange Grove TX 78372
Phone: 361-384-2486 Fax: 361-384-0417 -
Jim Wells County Justice of the Peace Precinct 6
Address: PO Box 647, Ben Bolt TX 78342
Phone: 361-664-9987 Fax: 361-668-6384 -
Alice Municipal Court
Address: 415 E Main St, Alice TX 78332
Phone: 361-668-7285 Fax: 361-668-6829 -
Orange Grove Municipal Court
Address: PO Box 1350, Orange Grove TX 78372
Phone: 361-384-9311 -
Premont Municipal Court
Address: PO Drawer 340, Premont TX 78375
Phone: 361-348-2022