What are pretrial services?

Answer 1

Pre-trial services take place after an individual has been arrested and charged. The services may include legal representation, bail services, or allowing the accused contact to anyone who can help.

Answer 2

Pleading and discovery are part of pretrial procedures. Pleadings are the complaint (the pleading made by a plaintiff alleging wrongdoing on the part of the defendant) and answer (a defendant's response to the plaintiff's complaint) which inform each party of the other's claims and specify the issues involved in the case. Discovery is a phase in the litigation process during which the opposing parties may obtain information from each other and from third parties such as: access to witnesses, documents, records, and other types of evidence, prior to trial.

The instruments used in pretrial procedures are witnesses, evidence, depositions, interrogatories, and e-evidence.

Answer 3

Things that occur at a pre-trial can vary depending on the type of case, the judge or jury and the motions filed by the attorneys. In general, a pre-trial is designed to make the actual trial run more smoothly and quickly.

Usually, the judge will deal with all pre-trial motions. If the case is a criminal case, the judge may determine that all tests and scientific information has been completed and exchanged between the attornies as he had previously ordered. There may also be "motions in limine" which is an attempt by one attorney to keep out information or testimony that would just muddy the facts with unnecessary and emotional issues. The judge will determine if he agrees the information should be kept out of the trial and order that the information not be available to the jury because it will not help them determine guilt or innocence.

In a trial before a jury, whether it is criminal or not, the judge will give instructions to the jury about doing their job. Some judges will require attorneys to submit proposed jury instructions to be discussed at pre-trial.

A pretrial is often held in judge's chambers, as opposed to open court. However, the entire proceedings are often on the record meaning the court recorder takes down everything that is said.

A pre-trial is going to help decide whatever can be decided prior to the trial. It demands the same respect as a regular trial even though it may seem more informal. The presence of a client may or may not be required, but the client should dress and behave appropriately.