Steps of the Criminal Process

Investigation:

Investigation is when someone reports a crime that has just happened and the police gathered the information that they had discovered, like evidence. To investigate the crime that has been committed to see, if possible to charged the offender(s).

Example:

A Homeowner had just reported to the 911 operator that her home is being robbed and the bad guy is still here. The location is at 123 Jane Doe St. Hollywood, CA 90122

Arrest:

Arrest is when the offender(s) was found wrong doing of something bad to something or someone.

Example:

Luckily, there was a police cruiser down the street patrolling the neighborhood, so the police went straight to the house that was reported. And caught the bad guy red handed stealing the victims belonging. The offender was arrested by the police.

Booking:

Booking is when the offender(s) is caught and taken into custody at the police station to take pictures, be fingerprinted, and ask questions to be recorded by the police in the computer system.

Example:

The offender that was arrested was taken away and went straight to the police station for booking. The police took his pictures and fingerprinted him.
Name: Jack Black
DOB: 01/01/1964
Address: 12 Mary Lane Hollywood, CA 90123

Steps of the Judicial Process

4. First Appearance:

After the arrest the offender(s) need to show up in court to see was charges is against him/her and if bail is provided for the offender(s). Usually this happen on the next business day.

Example:

Jack black was still in jail, so he was taken to court the next day and was charged for Breaking and Entering with the possession of stolen property.

Bail:

Bail is when the offender(s) have the opportunity to put in money or property to be release from custody.

Example:

Jack Black is set for bail at $1000 cash.

Preliminary Hearing:

Preliminary hearing is to seek if there is “probable cause” and to see if the crime is committed by the offenders is sufficient. And if the crime was committed by the defendant.

Example:

Jack Black did committed the crime and was found red handed by the victim and the police.

Information:

Information is a formal written accusation that is given by the prosecutor to the court.

Example:

Jack Black was at 123 Jane Doe St. at 1:00 am on 10/18/10 was caught stealing the victim jewelry and monies.

8. Grand Jury:

Groups of jurors that had been selected.
Example:

No grand jurors were needed for this case because the defendant plea guilty.

Indictment:

A formal written accusation that is given by the grand jury to the court.

Example:

No indictment needed because grand jury were not involve.

Arraignment:

Is like the first appearance, but in which the defendant is identify, is inform the charges, and enter a plea.

Example:

Jack Black is the defendant. He is charged for B&E w/ the possession of stolen property. He pleaded guilty for that crime.

Trial:

An examination in the court of the problem of fact and by law for the purpose of convicting the offender(s).

Sentencing:

Sentencing is when the person is convicted and now it’s the judge responsibility to punish the defendant for the crime that had been committed.

Example:

Jack Black is put on probation for 2 years and have to do mandatory of 30 hours of community service.