Crook County Criminal Court handles all criminal cases that are filed in Crook County. See below for more information about criminal cases in Crook County.
Crook County Prosecutor
For criminal cases in Crook County, the prosecutor will be a representative of Crook County. The Crook County prosecutor reviews all evidence and ultimately decides whether to file or dismiss charges in the case. Most of the time, the prosecutor has leeway in plea negotiations and determines how the case will be prosecuted.
Where will Crook County criminal case hearings take place?
Criminal cases will take place at the criminal courts of Crook County. See here for the location of the criminal courts in Crook County.
What if I can't afford an attorney?
The 6th Amendment guarantees you the right to an attorney whether or not you can afford one. If you cannot afford one, a public defender will be appointed by the court to represent you.
Who can help me in Crook County?
For general information about your case the Crook County court clerk will be able to provide legal information about your specific criminal case. Legal information is not legal advice though, the court clerk will only be able to provide information about your case, like date/time of hearings what will occur at the hearing and what you may be required to do in the hearing. They cannot provide advice about what you should do or what the best legal options may be for your particular case. Only an attorney can provide legal advice and this is your best place for information about your specific criminal proceeding. If you cannot afford to hire a private attorney to represent you, a judge will appoint an attorney to represent you, this is most often a public defender.
The Right to Trial by Jury
The Sixth Amendment of the United States Constitution guarantees the right to a trial by a jury. This is applicable for when the crime can carry a sentence of 6 months in jail OR a $500 fine, these are known as "Serious Crimes". The defendant can also waive their right to a speedy and public trial.
Crook County Arraignments
An arraignment is a court hearing. In Crook County this is the first thing that will happen in a criminal case. The defendant will be brought before a judge in Crook County Criminal Court and the judge will read the charges that were filed against the defendant. The judge will also read the rights the defendant has and ask the defendant if they understand both the charges filed against them and their rights as a defendant in the case. In Crook County a plea of Guilty, Not Guilty or No Contest may be entered. In a guilty or no contest plea the sentencing of the defendant may take place at the same arraignment hearing or a later date may be scheduled for sentencing. For a not guilty plea, a date will be set for a trial.
In Crook County you may be able to enter into a plea agreement depending upon the severity of the charges. It is also dependant upon the prosecution willing to accept a plea agreement. You can ask your attorney to attempt to negotiate a plea agreement with the prosecution to avoid having a jury trial along with the potential for a more serious sentence. Approximately 9 out of 10 criminal cases usually end in a plea agreement.
Required Court Appearances in Crook County
Any required court appearances in Crook County Criminal Court must be attended by the defendant. Failure to appear in court at your required date and time may result in the judge issuing an arrest warrant.
Jury Deliberations in Crook County
In Crook County, jury deliberations will take place in a jury trial after the prosecution and defense have presented their cases and rested. At this point, the judge will provide a list of instructions to the jury about what they are allowed and not allowed to do and what verdict options are available for them to decide. The jury will be sent to a private room to discuss the evidence presented in the case and attempt to reach a unaminous decision. When a unaminous decision is reached, the jury will inform the judge that they have reached a verdict and will return to the courtroom for the verdict to be read allowed. In the event that the jury cannot reach a unanimous verdict, the jury results in a deadlock and a mistrial is declared.
Crook County Criminal Court Locations
Crook County District Court
Address: 309 Cleveland Street, PO Box 406, Sundance, WY 82729
Crook County Circuit Court
Hulett Municipal Court
Address: 123 Hill Street, Hulett, WY 82720
Moorcroft Municipal Court
Address: 104 North Big Horn Avenue, PO Box 70, Moorcroft, WY 82721
Pine Haven Municipal Court
Address: 24 Waters Drive, Pine Haven, WY 82721
Sundance Municipal Court
Address: 213 Main Street, Sundance, WY 82729