Robertson County Criminal Court hears all criminal cases in Robertson County. Below you will find specific information about criminal cases and how they are handled in Robertson County.
Robertson County Arraignments
An arraignment is a court hearing. In Robertson County this is the first thing that will happen in a criminal case. The defendant will be brought before a judge in Robertson County Criminal Court and the judge will read the charges that were filed against the defendant. The judge will also read the rights the defendant has and ask the defendant if they understand both the charges filed against them and their rights as a defendant in the case. In Robertson County a plea of Guilty, Not Guilty or No Contest may be entered. In a guilty or no contest plea the sentencing of the defendant may take place at the same arraignment hearing or a later date may be scheduled for sentencing. For a not guilty plea, a date will be set for a trial.
Sentencing in Robertson County
In Robertson 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.
Can I request a Plea Agreement?
In Robertson County you may be able to enter into a plea agreement depending upon the severity of the charges. It is also dependant upon the prosecution willing to accept a plea agreement. You can ask your attorney to attempt to negotiate a plea agreement with the prosecution to avoid having a jury trial along with the potential for a more serious sentence. Approximately 9 out of 10 criminal cases usually end in a plea agreement.
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.
Burden of Proof
The burden of proof is always on the prosecution in a criminal trial. In other words, the prosecution has to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant committed the crime. The defense must only prove that there is a reasonable possibility that the defendant did NOT commit the crime. If the prosecution cannot prove that the defendant committed the crime beyond a reasonable doubt, the jury will be instructed to find the defendant not-guilty.
Prosecutor in Robertson County
In Robertson County, the prosecutor is an attorney representing Robertson County. In some cases, the prosecutor may actually represent Texas. For the most part, the prosecutor in Robertson County has discretion to both decide whether to file charges and also negotiate a potential plea deal with the defendant.
Jury Deliberation
In a jury trial in Robertson 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.
Can I appeal a guilty verdict?
If found guilty, a defendant may decide to appeal his case to an appelate court. The appellate court will not retry the case, they will examine the proceedings in the lower court to make sure they were done in a legal manner. The appellate court can either uphold the original conviction, or determine that due to errors made in the original trial, that there must be a retrial, resentencing or a complete dismissal of the charges.
Right to Jury Trial
For “Serious Crimes”, those that can have a potential penalty of 6 months in jail OR a minimum $500 penalty, the US Constitution guarantees a right to trial by jury. This is guaranteed by Article III of the Constitution and the 6th Amendment. The accused has the ability to waive their right to trial by jury.
Where will Robertson County criminal case hearings take place?
Criminal cases will take place at the criminal courts of Robertson County. See here for the location of the criminal courts in Robertson County.
Who can help me in Robertson County?
For general information about your case the Robertson 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.
Required Court Appearances in Robertson County
Any required court appearances in Robertson 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.
Robertson County Criminal Court Locations
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Robertson County 82nd District Court
Address: 102 E Decherd St, #204, PO Box 250, Franklin TX 77856
Phone: 979-828-3636 Fax: 979-828-5523 -
Robertson County Constitutional Court
Address: PO Box 1029, Franklin TX 77856
Phone: 979-828-4130 Fax: 979-828-1260 -
Robertson County Justice of the Peace Precinct 1
Address: PO Box 308, Calvert TX 77837
Phone: 979-364-2750 Fax: 979-346-2127 -
Robertson County Justice of the Peace Precinct 2
Address: PO Box 282, Hearne TX 77859
Phone: 979-279-2301 Fax: 979-279-6251 -
Robertson County Justice of the Peace Precinct 3
Address: PO Box 432, Franklin TX 77856
Phone: 979-828-3929 Fax: 979-828-2109 -
Robertson County Justice of the Peace Precinct 4
Address: PO Box J, Bremond TX 76629
Phone: 254-746-7836 Fax: 254-746-7773 -
Bremond Municipal Court
Address: PO Box E, Bremond 76629
Phone: 254)-46-7730 -
Calvert Municipal Court
Address: PO Box 505, Calvert TX 77837
Phone: 979-364-2355 -
Franklin Municipal Court
Address: 319 Bremond St, PO Box 428, Franklin TX 77856
Phone: 979-828-3257 -
Hearne Municipal Court
Address: 209 Cedar St, Hearne TX 77859
Phone: 979-279-6677