The 8 Steps of the
CRIMINAL JUSTICE STYSTEM
Step 1:
A crime is committed
Step 2:
The suspect is arrested. The Police Department can search for further evidence and ask for a warrant. The County Attorney must evaluate the facts and decide if the case will be dismissed or will proceed.
Step 3:
A judge sees the suspect within 24 hours to make sure enough evidence is present and bail is set. The suspect can pay bail or wait in jail for a trial.
Step 4:
The suspect can plea guilty or not guilty. If the suspect pleas guilty he/she will wait for the sentencing. If the suspect pleas not guilty his/her attorney can review the evidence and prepare for trial.
Step 5: The Trial
Step 6:
The suspect is either acquitted or found guilty. If the defendant is found guilty he/she will be sentenced.
Step 7:
Sentences include: mandatory charges, fines, jail time, or probation.
Step 8:
If the sentence is guilty the defendant can appeal the sentence to the Court of Appeals.