How Long Does a Criminal Case Take? A Criminal Case Timeline

Meason & Morris Law discusses How Long Does a Criminal Case Take?

How Long Does a Criminal Case Take? A Criminal Case Timeline

If you're facing criminal charges, you may wonder how long the process will take. The criminal case timeline varies based on factors like the severity of charges, court schedules, and whether the case goes to trial. While every case is different, here’s a general breakdown of what to expect.

1. Arrest and Initial Hearing (Within 48 Hours)

After an arrest, the accused is taken into custody and booked. Within 24 to 48 hours, they appear before a judge for an initial hearing (arraignment). The judge reads the charges, sets bail if applicable, and decides if the person stays in custody or is released.

2. Filing of Charges (Days to Weeks)

The prosecution reviews evidence to decide whether to file formal charges. Depending on the complexity of the case, this step can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks, affecting the overall criminal case timeline.

3. Preliminary Hearing or Grand Jury (Weeks to Months)

For felony cases, a judge or grand jury determines if enough evidence exists to proceed. This can take weeks or months, depending on court schedules and case complexity.

4. Arraignment and Plea (1-2 Months After Charges)

Once charges are filed, the defendant enters a plea: guilty, not guilty, or no contest. A guilty plea moves the case to sentencing, while a not-guilty plea leads to further legal proceedings.

5. Pretrial Motions and Plea Bargaining (Several Months)

During this phase, attorneys may file motions to dismiss charges, suppress evidence, or change the trial location. Many cases are resolved here through plea deals, which can shorten the criminal case timeline.

6. Trial (Days to Months)

If no plea deal is reached, the case goes to trial. Trials can last a few days to several weeks, depending on complexity. This stage includes jury selection, witness testimonies, and closing arguments before the verdict.

7. Verdict and Sentencing (Immediate to Weeks Later)

After the trial, the judge or jury delivers a verdict. If the defendant is found guilty, sentencing may happen right away or be scheduled for a later date, especially in complex cases.

8. Appeals Process (Months to Years)

If the defendant appeals the verdict, the process can take months or even years. Appeals require legal arguments, court reviews, and sometimes retrials, making this the longest phase of a criminal case timeline.

What Affects the Criminal Case Timeline?

• Case Complexity: More serious cases take longer.

• Court Backlogs: Busy court schedules can delay proceedings.

• Plea Deals: Accepting a plea deal can speed up the process.

• Legal Motions: Pretrial motions may add time.

• Witness and Evidence Availability: Scheduling conflicts can cause delays.

Final Thoughts

The length of a criminal case depends on many factors, but understanding the criminal case timeline can help you prepare. If you or a loved one is facing charges, having an experienced legal team is essential. The attorneys at Meason & Morris Law are ready to guide you through every step and fight for the best outcome.

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Meason & Morris Law is a legal firm led by seasoned attorneys Marty Meason and Chris Morris. We provide a professional experience for all our clients, helping them navigate their legal rights. We focus on Criminal Justice Law (felonies and misdemeanors), Divorce and Family Law, Expungement and Felony Law, Probate Law and also have Trial experience. Serving Washington County, Nowata County, Osage County, Rogers County, Payne County, Pawnee County, and Kay County in Oklahoma.

Meason & Morris Law

515 Delaware Ave

Bartlesville, OK 74003

918-336-6300