1. Class Name, Instructor Name
Lasley & Guskos, Criminal Investigation: An Illustrated Case Study Approach 1ed
Chapter 20
FROM THE CRIME SCENE TO THE COURTROOM
Class Name, Instructor Name
Date, Semester

2. CHAPTER OBJECTIVES Describe the role of the investigator in court
Outline the steps that investigators take to prepare for court
Describe appropriate courtroom demeanor and conduct during testimony
Understand the sources of proof
Summarize investigator ethics and conduct

3. Describe the role of the investigator in court
Learning Objectives
After this lecture, you should be able to complete the following Learning Outcomes
Describe the role of the investigator in court

4. Role of Investigators in Court

5. Prior to Case Filing Defendant is in custody Defendant has bailed out
Defendant was cited to appear on another date

6. Defendant in Custody

7. Outline the steps that investigators take to prepare for court
Learning Objectives
After this lecture, you should be able to complete the following Learning Outcomes
Outline the steps that investigators take to prepare for court

8. Case Evaluation Decide on charges to be filed Filing district attorney
Evidence to file criminal charges

9. Reduction/Increase charges based on:
Factors
Prior arrests
Active parole or probation
Gang membership
Severity of crime

10. Non-expedited Justifications
Shoplifting with no prior record
Misdemeanor battery
Petty theft no prior record
Public intoxication
City/county ordinance violation

11. Violation of County Ordnance

12. Understand the sources of proof
Learning Objectives
After this lecture, you should be able to complete the following Learning Outcomes
Understand the sources of proof

13. Process of a Criminal Case
Investigator refer to DA
Case reviewed by DA
Charge(s) filed or dismissed
Initial appearance, bail, conditions, next hearing scheduled
Preliminary hearing or arraignment
Pretrial/final conference
Motion hearings
Finding of guilt by plea or trial
Sentencing

14. Trial Process First appearance for the defendant is the arraignment
Defendant chooses their plea:
guilty, not guilty, no contest
Bail and future court dates can be set
If a felony, the next appearance date is a preliminary hearing
If misdemeanor, the next appearance date is set for pretrial hearing

15. Trial Process
At preliminary hearing if judge determines sufficient facts to believe the defendant committed the crime, it is bound over for trial
Motion to suppress evidence occurs to produce exculpatory evidence
After pretrial motions, the trial will not begin until a jury is selected
Jury selection seeks jurors who are unbiased; however, some can be challenged for cause and dismissed based on possible biases toward a case

16. Trial Process
Opening statements begin by both the prosecution and defense
Prosecutor then has the burden of proof and begins as case in chief
Witnesses for the case will be given direct examination and then a cross examination to give both sides an equal opportunity to ask questions
Redirect examination can also occur after cross examination for clarification purposes

17. Trial Process Exhibits are the next form of evidence in trial.
real objects, items for demonstration, writings, and records
Stipulations may be offered into evidence by the defense and/or prosecution
Judicial notice can occur
Closing arguments from both sides begin and end

18. Trial Process
Jury is given instructions by the judge on the laws applicable to the case and verdict forms
Jury is excused to discuss the case
Jury renders a verdict in the case

19. Describe appropriate courtroom demeanor and conduct during testimony
Learning Objectives
After this lecture, you should be able to complete the following Learning Outcomes
Describe appropriate courtroom demeanor and conduct during testimony

20. Testimony Types of testimony: Investigator Outside witness
First responder
*Determination of credibility and reliability must be made with outside witnesses
*Officers defense is paramount to the case resolution and they must practice prior to trial as well a know the facts of the case in-depth

21. Officers On the Stand Confidence Body language
Eye contact with attorney questioning them
Responses go to jurors
Open and friendly during testimony
Speak clearly, slow, concise
Short and to the point answers
Carefully listen to each question
Do not be defensive
If you do not know an answer, say “I do not know”
Should not give opinions, only facts
Well-kept appearance
Straight posture
Limit gestures
Rate and tone of speech
Movement

22. Summarize investigator ethics and conduct
Learning Objectives
After this lecture, you should be able to complete the following Learning Outcomes
Summarize investigator ethics and conduct

23. Ethics

24. Police Misconduct vs. Procedural:
Violation of police department rules and regulations
Criminal:
when it refers to a violation of state or federal law
vs. 24 24

25. Violating a citizen’s civil rights or any combination thereof.
Police Misconduct
Unconstitutional:
Violating a citizen’s civil rights or any combination thereof.

26. Common Types of Police Misconduct
Excessive use of physical or deadly force
Discriminatory arrest
Physical or verbal harassment
Selective enforcement of the law

27. OUT OF CONTROL DEFENDANTS!
Courtroom Dangers
OUT OF CONTROL DEFENDANTS!

28. CHAPTER SUMMARY
Once a suspect is arrested or a police report is written, the case is transferred to a detective, who will conduct a follow-up investigation. When sufficient evidence is gathered, the investigator presents the case to the district attorney for filing. If charges are filed, the suspect, if in custody, will be arraigned. If the suspect is not in custody, a warrant will be issued for the suspect’s arrest. After the suspect is arraigned, a plea will be entered and bail issues will be discussed. If the crime is a felony, a date is set for a preliminary hearing. If the crime is a misdemeanor, a pretrial date is set. If the judge finds enough evidence in the preliminary hearing that the suspect probably committed the crime, the case will be set for trial.

29. CHAPTER SUMMARY
The trial process begins with jury selection. During this process the prosecutor and the defense attorney interview several perspective jurors to determine whether they would serve fairly during the trial. Once the jury is seated, the judge gives some preliminary instructions regarding the case. The prosecutor and defense engage in opening statements, discussing a general storyline of the case and what their evidence will show. Once the statements have been heard, both sides present their case to the jury. After the case has been heard, closing statements are conducted, followed by instructions from the judge. From here, the jury will deliberate and render a verdict.
When an investigator finishes an investigation, a decision is made to determine whether there is enough evidence to warrant a filing. If there is, the investigator discusses it with the district attorney. Together they will take the case, characteristics, and past criminal history of the suspect into account as they determine what charges, if any, to file.

30. CHAPTER SUMMARY
When it comes to trial, there are four sources of evidence. These are witnesses, exhibits, stipulations, and judicial notice. Witnesses provide evidence through examination and their actual involvement in the case. Exhibits are the next principal form of evidence in a trial. The four types of exhibits are real objects (guns, blood), items used for demonstration (diagrams, models, maps), writings (counterfeit checks, letters), and records (private business, phone, public records).
Officers should have a general attitude of confidence but not cockiness. To the average juror, police officers convey an air of authority and respect; therefore, they should maintain composure and dignity at all times and remember that their job is only to present the facts and evidence. Officers should remain open, friendly, and dignified and speak clearly, slowly, and concisely. They should keep sentences short and to the point and maintain a steady voice tone, as in a normal conversation. Officers’ general attitude toward the jury should convey a sense of peer respect. Most importantly, they are there to tell the truth about an incident they have knowledge about.