If you’re worried about facing criminal charges, you should consider consulting a lawyer about your case. An attorney familiar with Phoenix manslaughter cases can accompany you to interviews, hearings, and trial proceedings. Although every case is different, most criminal cases follow these steps: Investigation and arrest: The authorities may arrest you at the scene of the alleged crime, or they may investigate the case and arrest you later. Booking: You go into custody at the local police station. Officials enter your information into the police system, and you remain there pending charges. Grand jury indictment: For a felony charge (like vehicular manslaughter), a grand jury may hear the evidence and decide whether the state should bring charges. Initial appearance: If you are not already in custody, you will receive a date and time to appear before the court. You will also learn of the formal charges against you. Posting bail: During your initial appearance, the court will determine whether you can be released on bail or bond, or if you must remain in custody until the next hearing. Preliminary hearing: The prosecution establishes its case and presents evidence to show probable cause. The judge will decide to proceed based on available evidence or dismiss due to insufficient evidence. Plea agreement: Prior to declaring your plea, you can try to reduce your charges or seek more lenient sentencing in exchange for pleading guilty to a lesser charge. Arraignment: During your arraignment hearing, you can plead guilty, not guilty, or no contest. If you plead not guilty, your case will continue to trial. Criminal trial: Both sides will present their cases before the judge and jury. The prosecution will try to prove that you are guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. Your defense will claim otherwise. Sentencing: If found guilty, a separate hearing will take place within 30 days of your verdict for sentencing. Sentences may include incarceration, probation, fines, restitution, community service, and counseling. The vehicular manslaughter attorneys at Gurion Legal leave no stone unturned in our defense investigation. You can rely on our team to actively advocate for your legal rights throughout the entire process.