The Criminal Justice System
Dumbed Down
1.) Crime Is Commited
- Something illegal happens
2.) Arrest/Citation
- Person placed under arrest
- Rights read to person
3.) 1st Appearances
- Initial appearance in front of a judge
- Bail determined
4.) (If Bail is posted) Freedom
- Client is released until date of trial
4.) (If Bail isn't posted)
- Accused is held in jail until date of court appearance
5.) Court hearing
- decide if enough evidence is present
6.) (Not enough Evidence) Freedom
- Accused is released
6.) (enough evidence for a charge) Arraignment
- Formal charges documented
- plea given
7.) (guilty plea) Sentence served
- Accused convicted and sentenced
7 ( innocent plea) Prep
- Defense and Prosecution prepare for the trial
- Witnesses contacted, evidence gathered
8. (change in plea)
- Accused convicted and sentenced
8. (no change) Trial
- accused tried by jury in criminal court
9.(Verdict: not guilty) Freedom
- Accused released
10.) Appeal (optional)
- Convicted appeals to an appellate court to review case
11.) (accepted) Redo
- Retrial/overturned conviction
11.) (rejection) SOL
- Convicted serves their sentence