The Stages of the Criminal Justice Process
If a person is facing criminal charges, then he has to go through several stages of criminal proceedings that starts with arrest and ends with sentencing. The criminal justice process can vary from state to state, but the basic stages mentioned below are almost the same in every state.
The stages:
Arrest: If the police have primary evidences to show that a person has committed a crime, then they arrest the person.
Booking: The police obtain all information about the accused, take his photographs and fingerprints and send him to jail.
Bail: If the accused is eligible for bail, then his family member or friend posts bail on his behalf with the help of a bail bond company and gets him released out of the police custody. The accused must attend all court trials.
Arraignment: Arraignment is the first court appearance of the accused, and he has a chance to plead guilty or not guilty for committing the crime.
Plea bargain: If the accused pleads guilty, then his defense attorney may plea for reduced sentencing than the accused might receive if found guilty in a trial.
Preliminary hearing: At the preliminary hearing, the judge, prosecutor and defense attorney along with the accused meet to examine the evidences presented by both sides. Here, the judge examines whether there is sufficient evidence to prove that the accused committed a crime.
Pre-trial: During pre-trial motions, the defense and prosecution prepare their documents and get themselves ready for trial hearings.
Trial: During the trial, both the prosecutor and defense present their case. Witnesses testify and both sides present evidence.
Sentencing: Based on the nature and intensity of the crime, the judge declares punishment for the convicted if found guilty. If not guilty, then the person goes free.
Appeal process: The convicted may appeal to a higher court if he does not agree with the outcome.
If you have been charged with crime in New York and need a credible criminal defense attorney in New York, then contact Mr. Paul D. Petrus Jr. immediately. He can help you with his vast experience in all types of criminal cases and successfully defend the criminal charges against you. Call at 212-564-2440 for a consultation.
