Overview of a Criminal Case

  1. Investigation
  2. Criminal or Civil?
  3. Filing of Criminal Charges
  4. Arraignment
  5. Preliminary Hearing / Misdemeanor Trial
  6. Trial
  7. Jury Trial
  8. Sentencing
  9. Appeal

Details

When a crime is reported, the police are responsible for conducting an investigation. After completing their investigation, the police may submit their reports to the Prosecuting Attorney. The Prosecuting Attorney then reviews the reports and decides whether to charge an individual with a crime.