Refugio County Criminal Court hears all criminal cases in Refugio County. Below you will find specific information about criminal cases and how they are handled in Refugio County.
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.
Sentencing in Refugio County
In Refugio 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.
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 Refugio County
During an arraignment in Refugio 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 Refugio 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 Refugio County the defendant may be sentenced at that time or the sentencing may take place at a later date.
Who is the prosecutor for Refugio County?
Depending upon the case, the prosecutor for Refugio County criminal cases will either be a representative of Refugio County or a representative from Texas. After reviewing evidence it is the prosecutor’s decision whether to file charges or drop a case. Most prosecutors have the ability to negotiate plea bargains, and determine how the case will be prosecuted.
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.
I need help for my Refugio 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 Refugio 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 Refugio 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.
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.
Refugio County Criminal Court hearings
Criminal hearings in Refugio County will take place at the Refugio County Criminal Courts. Please see here for a list of the Refugio County Criminal Court Locations.
Refugio County Required Court Appearances
In Refugio 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.
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 Refugio County a public defender will be appointed by the judge if you cannot afford private representation.
Jury Deliberations in Refugio County
In Refugio 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.
Refugio County Criminal Court Locations
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Refugio County 24th District Court
Address: PO Box 736, Refugio TX 78377
Phone: 361-526-2721 Fax: 361-526-5942 -
Refugio County 135th District Court
Address: PO Box 736, Refugio TX 78377
Phone: 361-526-2721 Fax: 361-526-5942 -
Refugio County 267th District Court
Address: PO Box 736, Refugio TX 78377
Phone: 361-526-2721 Fax: 361-526-5942 -
Refugio County Constitutional Court
Address: 8 Commerce St, #112, PO Box 704, Refugio TX 78377
Phone: 361-526-2233 Fax: 361-526-1325 -
Refugio County Justice of the Peace Precinct 1
Address: 808 Commerce St, #111, Refugio TX 78377
Phone: 361-526-4877 Fax: 361-526-4819 -
Refugio County Justice of the Peace Precinct 2
Address: 808 Commerce St, #103, Refugio TX 78377
Phone: 361-526-1635 Fax: 361-526-1758 -
Bayside Municipal Court
Address: PO Box 194, Bayside TX 78340
Phone: 361-529-6520 -
Refugio Municipal Court
Address: PO Box 1020, Refugio TX 78377
Phone: 361-526-5364 -
Woodsboro Municipal Court
Address: PO Box 632, Woodsboro TX 78393
Phone: 361-543-4506