Pre-Trial

When you enter a plea of Not Guilty to a charge, you are set for a Pre-trial hearing. This is a mandatory hearing in which you are visiting with the Prosecutor about the case. 

You must speak on your own behalf unless an attorney represents you. In the State of Texas, no individual other than the defendant may enter a plea on behalf of another individual (except in cases where an attorney is retained.) This applies to spouses and all other family members as well. A defendant must enter a plea on his/her own behalf.  

If an agreement is not reached with the Prosecutor after the Pre-trial hearing has been attended, you are able to request a trial by Judge or a trial by Jury.