9 Steps of Criminal Justice
The System
Investigation and Arrest or Citation
The Police Department may continue investigation until they feel they have enough evidence to charge the suspect.
Initial Apperance
The person taken into custody must be taken before a judge within 24 hours of arrest, so that the initial apperance assures that the individual was properly chargerd. If the criminal wasn't told a bail price, the intial apperance sets a bail for the criminal.
Preliminary Hearing or Trial Information
To determine whether there is sufficient evidence to support the charges against the defendant.
Arraignment and Plea
The formal accusation of the defendant where a plea of guilty or not guilty is enetered. The defendant has the right to a speedy trial, or the defendant can waive his speedy trial right.
Discovery and Plea Negotiations
If the defendant pleads not guilty, the defense attorney has a right to discover the states evidence in the case. If the defendant pleads guilty, they go straight to sentencing.
Trial
If plea negotations are not successful, the case goes to trial. If the defendant pleads not guilty, they get to go home till next time they have to appear and if the defendant pleads guilty, they go straight to sentencing.
Sentencing
The judge gives the criminal a punishment of either probation, jail time, or fine.