1. Steps in the Criminal Justice Process
August 11, 2015

2. Two types of cases Civil court cases – often called lawsuits
Criminal court cases

3. Civil court cases Civil Court cases
Hiring a lawyer for a contingency (hourly fee)
Filing the complaint – a legal document filed with the court that has jurisdiction over the problem
Pretrial discovery – by checking facts and gathering evidence
Resolution without trial – mediation or arbitration
Trial
The Award –
- wins – court awards damages - loses – appeal or refuse to pay

4. Criminal court cases Investigation and Arrest
Initial appearance – must be brought before a judge within 24 hrs
Preliminary hearing/grand jury – both sides present their case.
Plea Bargaining – defense lawyer and police work out an agreement through which the defendant pleads guilty to a lesser crime.
Arraignment and Pleas – four kinds: Not guilty by reason of insanity, not guilty, guilty or no contest
Trail – jury is a group of citizens who hear evidence and decide the verdict

5. The Decision – hung jury : means no decision and a new trial must be scheduleed.
Sentencing – judge picks from minimum and maximum punishment depending on the crime.