Criminal Justice (Formal Criminal Process) set 2

1. Initial contact

The initial interaction between law enforcement and an individual suspected of criminal conduct.

2. Investigation

Gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and establishing legal grounds regarding a specific crime.

Arrest

Taking an individual into custody based on probable cause for a suspected crime.

Custody

Detaining an arrested individual for administrative processing, booking, and interrogation.

Charging

Formal filing of criminal charges by prosecuting attorneys after evaluating police reports.

Preliminary hearing/grand jury

Two different legal methods are used to decide if there is enough evidence—called probable cause—to move a felony criminal case forward to trial.

A preliminary hearing is an open, courtroom proceeding held before a judge.

A grand jury is a private proceeding where a group of citizens reviews evidence.

Arraignment

Formal court appearance where charges are read, constitutional rights are stated, and the defendant enters a plea.

Bail/detention

Judicial decision setting monetary bail or conditions for pre-trial release versus continued incarceration.

Plea Bargaining

Pre-trial negotiations in which the prosecution and defense agree to a disposition in exchange for reduced charges or sentences.

Trial/adjuction

A formal criminal trial and adjudication isthe structured legal process where a judge or jury decides if a defendant is guilty or not guilty based on evidence presented in court

Sentencing/disposition

The final resolution or outcome of a charge, while sentencing is the specific punishment ordered by the judge if a conviction occurs

Appeal/postconviction remedies

A direct appeal is a review of trial court records by a higher court for legal mistakes, whereas post-conviction relief is a separate proceeding used to raise new constitutional claims or evidence outside the original record

Correctional treatment

Execution of court-mandated penalties, such as imprisonment, community service, or probation.

Release

Completion of institutional confinement or fulfillment of specified sentence conditions

Post release

the final stage of the formal criminal justice process where an individual serves a supervised or unsupervised period in the community after completing a prison sentence