Crime Committed
Police Notified
Police Investigate
Investigation may include interviewing victim, witnesses, suspects; collecting physical evidence; visiting, viewing, photographing, measuring crime scene; identifying suspects; through line-ups ... etc.
Bifurcated Court System
District court is where all misdemeanor offenses are handled and where the preliminary hearing for felony charges are held. Circuit court is exclusively for felony charges and any misdemeanors associated with the felony before the court. Felony charges may originate in district court before coming to circuit court through a waiver or referral of the charges to the Jefferson County Grand Jury. Felony charges can also be brought to circuit court by two other methods: direct submission and by information.
Police Make an Arrest
When a crime is committed in a police officer's presence --- or he has probable cause to believe that certain misdemeanors or any felony was committed that he did not see happen --- an officer may arrest a suspect on the spot without an arrest warrant. The officer will later submit a charging/warrant request to the Jefferson District Court and an Assistant Jefferson County Attorney will review the charges to make additions or corrections.
Warrant/Charging Request Reviewed by Prosecuting Attorney (District Court - Misdemeanor Level)
Most cases begin with a warrant request. This is generally the first time that the prosecuting attorney is involved in a case, unless he or she reviewed a search warrant or visited the crime scene. At this stage, the prosecutor determines whether a person should be charged with a crime and, if so, what the crime should be. The prosecuting attorney must thoroughly review all reports and records concerning the case, including witness statements. The prosecutor also reviews the suspect's prior criminal or traffic record. Occasionally,