1. Criminal Cases

2. Types of Felonies
Crimes against people: murder, manslaughter, assault, kidnapping
Crimes against property: burglary, theft, robbery, larceny, vandalism, fraud, arson
Other types of crimes: unauthorized gambling, and use/possession of illegal drugs

3. Procedure in Criminal Case
Arrested by police officer and “booked” (fingerprints, mugshot)
Preliminary hearing- suspect appears before the judge and bail can be set
Indictment- judge or grand jury formally charges suspect with crime
Arraignment- defendant is asked to plead guilty or not guilty

4. Procedure cont…
5. Trial- both sides prosecution (represents plaintiff) and defense present case to jury and/or judge, may present evidence, testimonies, and can cross-examine witnesses

5. Criminal Procedure Continued
6. Verdict: decided by jury, must be unanimous decision, if not, hung jury=>mistrial
a. Acquittal (not guilty)
b. Sentenced (guilty)

6. Sentencing Options
Mandatory sentencing- all judges must impose what the law directs
Parole- lets criminal out before their sentence is over

7. Law and Order You will need to identify the following… Plaintiff?
Defendant?
What are the charges?
What is the verdict?

8. So, you break the law…. Law Enforcement will arrest you.
Federal Government:
F.B.I. (Federal Bureau of Investigation)- investigate federal crimes
State and County Governments:
S.B.I. (State Bureau of Investigation)- investigate state crimes
NC Highway Patrol- control NC Highways and Interstates
County Deputy Sherriff- patrols county roads and investigates county matters
City/Town Police- patrol city and investigates city matters.

9. Civil Cases

10. Civil Cases
Plaintiff claims to suffer a loss or injury to themselves and usually seeks damages
Defendant argues either that the loss or injury did not occur or the defendant is not responsible for it
Cases: property disputes, breach of contract, family matters involving two or more parties, negligence, personal injury

11. Process for a Civil Case
Plaintiff’s attorney files a complaint
Court send summons to defendant
Defendant’s attorney files a written answer
Attorneys for both sides exchange pleading documents (possible settlement)
Attorneys for plaintiff and defendant argue case in court
Court gives verdict

12. Juvenile Law Juvenile- anyone under the age of 18 in most states
NC you are an adult at 16
Main Goal of Juvenile system is to
REHABILITATE!

13. Types of Juvenile Crime
Neglect: juveniles whose caregivers neglect or abuse them
Delinquency: juveniles who committ crimes
Cases heard in juvenile court, no jury, have preliminary hearing, closed to public, only judge makes decision

14. In Re Gault Supreme Court Case dealing with juveniles
Ruling: juveniles still have same due process rights as adults