Grimes County Criminal Court hears all criminal cases in Grimes County. Below you will find specific information about criminal cases and how they are handled in Grimes County.
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.
Jury Deliberation
In a jury trial in Grimes 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.
Grimes County Criminal Court hearings
Criminal hearings in Grimes County will take place at the Grimes County Criminal Courts. Please see here for a list of the Grimes County Criminal Court Locations.
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.
Grimes County Prosecutor
For criminal cases in Grimes County, the prosecutor will be a representative of Grimes County. The Grimes 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.
I need help for my Grimes 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 Grimes 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 Grimes 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.
Sentencing in Grimes County
In Grimes 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 happens in Grimes County at an arraignment?
In Grimes 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.
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.
Mandatory Appearances in Grimes County Criminal Court
At a mandatory or required court appearance in Grimes County, the defendant must appear before the court. In the event of a “Failure to Appear” the judge may issue a warrant for the arrest of the defendant. Note: not all criminal hearings are mandatory, in a non-mandatory hearing an attorney may appear on your behalf without you being in court.
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 Grimes 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.
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.
Grimes County Criminal Court Locations
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Grimes County 12th District Court
Address: 114 W Buffington, PO Box 234, Anderson TX 77830
Phone: 936-873-4430 Fax: 936-873-2514 -
Grimes County 506th District Court
Address: 114 W Buffington, PO Box 234, Anderson TX 77830
Phone: 936-873-4430 Fax: 936-873-2514 -
Grimes County Constitutional Court
Address: 101 S Main PO Box 209, Anderson TX 77830
Phone: 936-873-4410 Fax: 936-873-3308 -
Grimes County Justice of the Peace Precinct 1
Address: PO Box 450, Iola TX 77861
Phone: 936-394-2060 Fax: 936-394-4110 -
Grimes County Justice of the Peace Precinct 2
Address: 382 FM 149 W, PO Box 266, Anderson TX 77830
Phone: 936-873-6452 Fax: 936-873-6450 -
Grimes County Justice of the Peace Precinct 3
Address: PO Box 828, Navasota TX 77868
Phone: 936-873-3900 Fax: 936-873-3923 -
Navasota Municipal Court
Address: 200 E McAlpine St, Navasota TX 77868
Phone: 936-825-6268 Fax: 936-825-7280