72 Hour Hearing Docket For Houston County District Court Judge Benjamin Lewis

Rickey Stokes

Viewed: 2956

Posted by: RStokes
Date: Jan 21 2013 6:38 AM

HOUSTON COUNTY:   Houston County District Court Judge Benjamin Lewis spent his Sunday afternoon at the Houston County Jail.  There Judge Lewis was in the jail with persons who had been arrested and booked into jail and not made bond since Friday.

When a person is arrested they are required by law to appear before a Judge within 72 hours of their arrest. At the hearing the Judge informs the defendant of their charges, the range of punishment for the offense charged. The Judge advises the defendant of their right to remain silent, right to a preliminary hearing. A preliminary hearing has to be asked for within 30 days of their arrest.

The Judge ask if they are on probation or bond for any offense at the time they are arrested.

The Judge informs the defendant, if not over the age of 21 at the time of the alleged offense, they can apply for youthful offender. The Judge also discusses with the defendant their option for pre-trial diversion.

If the defendant qualifies for a contract attorney because they can not afford to hire an attorney the Judge will appoint them an attorney to represent them. Judge Lewis points out to the defendant, this is not a free attorney unless they are found not guilty or the case is dismissed. Each defendant is assessed attorney fees on a plea of guilt or finding of guilt.

Judge Lewis may come to the jail this afternoon for the 72 hour hearing because today is a government holiday. With his holding the 72 hour hearing on Sunday, the persons may wait until Tuesday where they will appear before the Judge via closed circuit TV from the jail to the 2nd floor courtroom.

01-21-2013 72 Hour Hearing Docket Houston County District Court by

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