Contact a Scottsdale City Court Criminal Defense Attorney today so we can answer your questions.
Each year, the Scottsdale City Court hears over 80,000 cases and more than 75% of these cases involve civil traffic violations. This can include everything from speeding or not obeying traffic control devices to failure to provide proof of a valid driver’s license, insurance or registration.
If you’re cited for a criminal misdemeanor offense or DUI, you must appear in the criminal division of the Scottsdale City Court. A Scottsdale criminal defense attorney with the Lerner and Rowe Law Group can help you whether you’re cited with a civil traffic violation or charged with a criminal misdemeanor.
Besides having a top attorney by your side when you appear in court, it’s also good to have a basic understanding of the other key figures in a courtroom.
Primary Courtroom Figures
The judge is the principal figure in a courtroom. Judges typically sit at a raised or elevated desk area towards the front of the courtroom commonly referred to as “the bench.” Courtroom etiquette requires everyone in attendance to rise when a judge enters the room. In a bench trial, the trial takes place in front of a judge only; no jury becomes involved. The judge is both the finder-of-fact and rules on the evidence. The judge decides the credibility of evidence presented at trial. From there, the judge orchestrates the trial according to laws and rules of procedure. The Judge is also the person who renders the ultimate sentence in a criminal case.
Courtrooms also have court clerks who are officers of the court and have various responsibilities. Their primary duty is maintaining the records, including trial exhibits; however, clerks might also administer oaths to jurors or witnesses. Bailiffs are also officers of the court; they’re charged with maintaining order and upholding the law. Some bailiffs even carry a firearm and have the authority to arrest people, should the need arise. Court reporters also assist the judge with the trial by recording all proceedings, but only used in Superior Court.
Other Key Courtroom Figures
Other central people in a courtroom include the plaintiff, in criminal cases the prosecutor, the defendant, witnesses, court interpreters and, during jury trials, jurors. The plaintiff is the person bringing the case to court and the defendant is the accused. Witnesses are anyone with relevant information about the crime. Court interpreters are present when a participant speaks limited or no English. The 12 sworn jurors are the heart of the judicial system and determine judgement in jury trials; they render an impartial verdict, with one foreman.
Hire a Top Scottsdale City Court Criminal Defense Attorney
The final figures in a courtroom are the attorneys, with one representing the plaintiff and one the defendant. Say a Scottsdale City police officer cites you for a misdemeanor or DUI within the city limits; you have to appear in City Court.
Hiring a Scottsdale City Court criminal defense attorney from Lerner & Rowe helps ensure that you will get the representation you deserve. And when it comes to protecting your rights, you need top legal representation.
You can feel confident that our criminal defense law group will give you the best representation possible.
Our office is open from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
We’re also available 24/7 to take your call at 602-667-7777. Our criminal defense legal team offers free consultations and affordable payment plans. We put your best interests first.