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What Is a District Attorney? Commonly Asked Questions about a Criminal Case

What Is a District Attorney? Commonly Asked Questions about a Criminal Case

What Is a District Attorney? Commonly Asked Questions about a Criminal Case

Many people arrested for DUI or drug charges have never been to court or faced criminal charges before. They usually have many questions about the legal process and what to expect. This blog is one in a series that answers frequent inquiries about the criminal process, starting with the major players you may encounter in criminal court.

What is a district attorney?

A district attorney is a lawyer who acts as representative of the city, county, state, or country in criminal cases. District attorneys are also called prosecutors or attorneys general, depending on the court location and situation. They decide which crimes to charge against defendants, appear in court when the defendants’ cases are called, and negotiate plea bargains and reduced sentences. District attorneys also may have some input into any investigations or scientific testing conducted by law enforcement. For cases that go to trial, district attorneys question witnesses and speak to the judge in court.

What is a defense attorney?

A defense attorney is a criminal lawyer who represents people accused of crimes during their criminal court cases. (In civil cases like one for breach of contract, the defendant also has a defense attorney to represent him or her against the civil claim.) Defense attorneys speak to their clients about the facts of their cases, develop defenses, read legal cases, write legal briefs, and speak to the judge at court appearances on their clients’ behalf. They also may negotiate with district attorneys to get plea bargains or reduced sentences for clients.

What is a judge?

A judge is an impartial person who evaluates the law and legal standards that apply to a criminal or civil case. If there is no jury, the judge also makes findings of fact. In criminal cases, judges have varying amounts of discretion, meaning flexibility in making decisions under the law. For example, judges must impose mandatory minimum sentences for some crimes even if they think it is fairer and more just to give a lighter sentence due to the defendants’ circumstances.

What is a probation officer?

A probation officer is an employee of the city, county, or state who oversees defendants serving probation. Probation may take place after a jail sentence or instead of jail, depending on the case. Usually, people on probation have to check in with their probation officer on a regular basis and inform him or her of address changes. The probation officer may check in on them to ensure they are obeying the terms of their probation.

Have you been charged with a DUI or drug crime in Oklahoma and need help now? Clint Patterson, Esq., of Patterson Law Firm, a former Tulsa prosecutor, uses his trial experience and knowledge of the Oklahoma criminal justice system to assist clients. He has the experience and the insight to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of your case. To schedule a case evaluation, visit Patterson Law Firm online or call Clint’s office at (918) 550-9175.