Hudspeth County Criminal Court hears all criminal cases in Hudspeth County. Below you will find specific information about criminal cases and how they are handled in Hudspeth County.
Where can I get help for my Hudspeth County criminal case?
The 6th amendment of the United States Constitution provides a criminal defendant with the right to an attorney. As read in the miranda rights, this means that if a defendant cannot afford to hire a private attorney a legal attorney will be appointed to the defendant to represent him at no cost to the defendant. This is often a public defender. In addition, the court clerk for Hudspeth County will also be able to provide general information about a specific criminal case. The clerk can only provide information and is not an attorney so they cannot provide legal advice, only a licensed attorney can provide legal advice about what the best options for are for your particular case.
Prosecutor in Hudspeth County
In Hudspeth County, the prosecutor is an attorney representing Hudspeth County. In some cases, the prosecutor may actually represent Texas. For the most part, the prosecutor in Hudspeth 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 Hudspeth 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.
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.
Arraignments in Hudspeth County
During an arraignment in Hudspeth County, a defendant appears before the court and the judge reads the charges that have been filed against the accused and also informs the defendant of his/her rights. During the arraignment in Hudspeth County, the defendant can choose to plead one of the following 1) Guilty 2) Not Guilty or 3) No Contest. If the defendant enters a plea of Not Guilty, a date for trial is set. In the event of a Guilty or No Contest Plea in Hudspeth County the defendant may be sentenced at that time or the sentencing may take place at a later date.
Can I request a Plea Agreement?
In Hudspeth 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.
Sentencing in Hudspeth County
In Hudspeth 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.
Required Court Appearances in Hudspeth County
Any required court appearances in Hudspeth 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.
Hudspeth County Criminal Court hearings
Criminal hearings in Hudspeth County will take place at the Hudspeth County Criminal Courts. Please see here for a list of the Hudspeth County Criminal Court Locations.
Right to an attorney
The US Constitution’s Sixth Amendment ensures the right to an attorney regardless of whether or not you can afford one. In Hudspeth County a public defender will be appointed by the judge if you cannot afford private representation.
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.
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.
Hudspeth County Criminal Court Locations
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Hudspeth County 205th District Court
Address: PO Box 58, Sierra Blanca TX 79851
Phone: 915-369-2301 Fax: 915-369-0055 -
Hudspeth County 394th District Court
Address: PO Box 58, Sierra Blanca TX 79851
Phone: 915-369-2301 Fax: 915-369-0055 -
Hudspeth County Constitutional Court
Address: PO Box 58, Sierra Blanca TX 79851
Phone: 915-369-2301 Fax: 915-369-0055 -
Hudspeth County Justice of the Peace Precinct 1
Address: PO Box 40, Sierra Blanca TX 79851
Phone: 915-369-4141 Fax: 915-369-3721 -
Hudspeth County Justice of the Peace Precinct 2
Address: PO Box 88, Fort Hancock TX 79839
Phone: 915-769-3887 Fax: 915-769-3450 -
Hudspeth County Justice of the Peace Precinct 3
Address: 19900 Highway 62/180, El Paso TX 79938
Phone: 915-964-2457 Fax: 915-964-2457 -
Hudspeth County Justice of the Peace Precinct 4
Address: PO Box 52, Dell City TX 79837
Phone: 915-964-2678 Fax: 915-964-2678