9 Steps to Criminal Juastic System
For Freshman
By: Allie Lewis
Investigation and Arrest or Citation
~arrest made by Police
~cittaion to appear in court is issued
Initial Appearance
~assures individual was properly charged
~attorney appointed to defendant (if defendent qualified)
~date set for preliminary hearing
~(sometime) bail amount set
Preliminary Hearing or Trial Information
~determine whether evidence can support charges against defendant
Arraignment and Plea
~plea not guilty trial date will be set
~plea guilty lost to jury trial and settlement will be reached
Discovery and Plea Negotiaitons
Trial
~plea negotiations not successful case goes to trial
~steps of trial
*opening statements
*State's witnesses and evidence
*defense's witnesses and evidence
*closing arguments
*court's instructions to the jury
*jury's deliberartion and verdict
Sentencing
~punishment in criminal case
~range from fine, community service, imprisonment, or death
~sentence choosen by trial judge or jury