A criminal case is a legal proceeding in which a person, known as the defendant, has been charged with committing a crime. A skilled criminal defense attorney can help you fight the charges and avoid jail or prison time if you are found guilty.
The process of a criminal case generally begins with an investigation by law enforcement officers or the police. The police prepare either an arrest report or a case report that describes the alleged criminal activity. The case report is then reviewed by the prosecuting attorney. If the prosecutor decides to file charges, the next step is an arraignment hearing.
After arraignment, discovery takes place. During this phase of the trial, the prosecution and the defense are allowed to share evidence with each other. This can include witness statements and physical and documentary evidence. Pre-trial motions can also be filed during this stage. This can include a request to suppress evidence or dismiss charges.
If a person is found guilty of a crime, they will likely be sentenced by a judge or jury. Depending on the crime, you may be required to serve state prison or county jail time, probation, fines, and restitution. The victim of a crime can also sue the accused party in a civil lawsuit for money damages. See the Lawsuits Help Topic for more information.
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