Steps in the Criminal Justice Process August 11, 2015

Two types of cases Civil court cases – often called lawsuits Criminal court cases

Civil court cases Civil Court cases Hiring a lawyer for a contingency (hourly fee) Filing the complaint – a legal document filed with the court that has jurisdiction over the problem Pretrial discovery – by checking facts and gathering evidence Resolution without trial – mediation or arbitration Trial The Award – - wins – court awards damages - loses – appeal or refuse to pay

Criminal court cases Investigation and Arrest Initial appearance – must be brought before a judge within 24 hrs Preliminary hearing/grand jury – both sides present their case. Plea Bargaining – defense lawyer and police work out an agreement through which the defendant pleads guilty to a lesser crime. Arraignment and Pleas – four kinds: Not guilty by reason of insanity, not guilty, guilty or no contest Trail – jury is a group of citizens who hear evidence and decide the verdict

The Decision – hung jury : means no decision and a new trial must be scheduleed. Sentencing – judge picks from minimum and maximum punishment depending on the crime.