What are the stages of a criminal case?

A St. Louis criminal defense attorney at Henderson Law Group guides your case through the same core stages: arrest and bond hearing, then arraignment, where charges are formally read. Felony cases proceed to a preliminary hearing or grand jury indictment; City of St. Louis felonies are heard in the 22nd Judicial Circuit at Carnahan Courthouse, and St. Louis County felonies in Clayton. Most cases resolve through plea negotiation between your attorney and the prosecutor. If no agreement is reached, the case goes to trial before a judge or jury, followed by sentencing if convicted.