What does EDC mean in court?

What does EDC mean in court?

In almost all cases we will plead you not guilty. By doing so two dates are set in the future, the early disposition conference (“EDC”) and a preliminary hearing. The EDC is a settlement conference that gives us the opportunity to negotiate the disposition of your case with the judge and the prosecutor.

What is an EDC hearing?

In Ventura, the next court date is usually an Early Disposition Conference (EDC). Each county has a different name for the next stage. This is where your attorney, the district attorney and the court review your case and discuss any possible resolution to the case.

What happens at an early disposition conference?

During this proceeding, the criminal defense attorneys will discuss the facts of the case and negotiate the potential consequences and decide whether they should just settle the case or proceed to trial.

What happens at a criminal settlement conference?

In felony cases a Felony Settlement Conference (FSC) is set following the arraignment. An FSC is similar to a TRC and consists of exchanging discovery (information about the case) and attempting to negotiate a disposition. If the attorneys are unable to resolve the case then a Preliminary Hearing date is set.

What is early disposition?

The Early Disposition Program allows defendants and the courts to reach a final decision sooner on the defendant’s criminal case, reducing the time and number of court hearings and avoiding a jury trial.

What is a initial disposition conference NJ?

Some places don’t have it but generally it is called an early disposition conference, an EDC, where the attorney has an opportunity to speak with the prosecutor so the prosecutor can decide if they are going to keep your case or send it back down to the municipal court and downgrade it from an indictable offense into a …

What are mitigating factors?

In criminal law, a mitigating factor, also known as an extenuating circumstance, is any information or evidence presented to the court regarding the defendant or the circumstances of the crime that might result in reduced charges or a lesser sentence.

What does mitigation of sentence mean?

The sentencing courts are obliged to take account of any matters that ‘in the opinion of the court, are relevant in mitigation of sentence’. Mitigation includes any aspect of a case that reduces the severity of the sentence passed: either the length of sentence or type.

What is a disposition and setting hearing?

Setting and/or Disposition The case eithers ends or it is set for a new court date. “End” can be defined as the following: defendant pleads guilty, charges are dropped, the defendant waives his or her right to a preliminary hearing, or the case is dismissed by the Court.

What happens at a preliminary hearing in a criminal case?

The preliminary hearing is like a mini-trial. The prosecution will call witnesses and introduce evidence, and the defense can cross-examine witnesses. If the judge concludes there is probable cause to believe the crime was committed by the defendant, a trial will soon be scheduled.