1. Steps of a Crime

2. Initial Proceedings A crime is committed Police investigation
search warrant request sent to judge
Police present warrant and search the place or person
4th Amendment requires probable cause to search or arrest someone

3. Federal Grand Jury
Under federal law, all felonies require an indictment from a grand jury to make an arrest
More Info on Jury Presentation

4. Arrest Police officer observes a crime
Police officer has probable cause for arrest
Arrest warrant was executed for the arrest

5. Arraignment
First courtroom appearance of defendant (person accused of the crime)
Defendants rights are explained (Miranda Rights)
Told of the criminal charges against them
Asked if they need an attorney
Asked to enter plea
Guilty plea=agreement to the crime
Not Guilty= Go to trial
Bail is set if they plead Not Guilty

6. Jury Trial Judge decides issues of law Jury decides issues of fact
Objections
Fairness of Trial
Jury decides issues of fact
Who did what, guilt or innocence

7. Bench Trial Defendant chooses what kind of trial to have
Judge decides both issues of fact and law
Defendant chooses what kind of trial to have

8. Evidence is presented
Witness Testimony
Expert Testimony
Written Evidence
Prosecution Case
Prosecution presents case against defendant
Prosecution must prove “beyond reasonable doubt” that defendant is guilty (99+% sure)

9. Jury Deliberations All 12 jurors talk about the case
They must come to a unanimous decision
Standard of Proof
Criminal= beyond a reasonable doubt
Civil= preponderance of evidence

10. Found Guilty
If a person is found guilty they have a right to an appeal