briefly chart the process of criminal justice from reporting the crime to the decision of the judge
Answers
Explanation:
Report: Law enforcement officers receive the crime report from victims, witnesses, or other parties (or witness the crime themselves and make a report).
Investigation: Law enforcement investigates the crime. Officers try to identify a suspect and find enough evidence to arrest the suspect they think may be responsible.
Arrest or Citation: If they find a suspect and enough evidence, officers may arrest the suspect or issue a citation for the suspect to appear in court at a specific time. This decision depends on the nature of the crime and other factors. If officers do not find a suspect and enough evidence, the case remains open.
Prosecution and Pretrial
Charges: The prosecutor considers the evidence assembled by the police and decides whether to file written charges (or a complaint) or release the accused without prosecution.
First Court Appearance: If the prosecutor decides to file formal charges, the accused will appear in court to be informed of the charges and of his or her rights. The judge decides whether there is enough evidence to hold the accused or release him or her. If the defendant does not have an attorney, the court may appoint one or begin the process of assigning a public defender to represent the defendant.
Bail or Bond: At the first court appearance (or at any other point in the process-depending on the jurisdiction) the judge may decide to hold the accused in jail or release him or her on bail, bond, or on his or her"own Recognizance" (OR)," (OR means the defendant promises to return to court for any required proceedings and the judge does not impose bail because the defendant appears not to be a flight risk). To be released on bail, defendants have to hand over cash or other valuables (such as property deeds) to the court as security to guarantee that the defendant will appear at the trial. Defendants may pay bail with cash or bond (an amount put up by a bail bondsman who collects a non-refundable fee from the defendant to pay the bail). The judge will also consider such factors as drug use, residence, employment, and family ties in deciding whether to hold or release the defendant.
Grand Jury or Preliminary Hearing: In about one-half of the states, defendants have the right to have their cases heard by a grand jury, which means that a jury of citizens must hear the evidence presented by the prosecutor and decide whether there is enough evidence to indict the accused of the crime. If the grand jury decides there is enough evidence, the grand jury submits to the court an indictment, or written statement of the facts of the offense charged against the accused. In other cases, the accused may have to appear at a preliminary hearing in court, where the judge may hear evidence and the defendant is formally indicted or released.
Arraignment: The defendant is brought before the judge to be informed of the charges and his or her rights. The defendant pleads guilty, not guilty, or no contest (accepts the penalty without admitting guilt). If the defendant pleads guilty or no contest, no trial is held, and offender is sentenced then or later. If the defendant pleads not guilty, a date is set for the trial. If a plea agreement is negotiated, no trial is held.