An Overview of the Criminal Justice Process

Posted By Law Offices of Jeffrey C. Grass || 23-Mar-2013

Being arrested and accused of a crime is can be a terrifying experience—regardless of whether or not you have actually committed the crime in question. A good way to prepare yourself in the event of an arrest is to educate yourself on the various stages of the criminal justice process:

Arrest

After investigating the situation and ensuring probable cause, the police official will take you into custody in what is known as an arrest. You do not need to be placed in handcuffs in order to be considered under police custody; however, the police are still required to notify you of your Miranda rights when taking you to the police station for questioning.

Booking

Once you are in police custody, you will go through the booking process. This will include having your photograph taken, giving up your personal items, being fingerprinted, and filling out various paperwork.

Arraignment and Bail

The next step of the criminal justice process is the arraignment, or initial hearing in which the judge notifies you of your crimes and asks you to submit a plea of either guilty or not guilty. It is at this time that the judge will determine if you are eligible for bail.

Plea Negotiation and Trial

Once you have been charged with a specific crime, your criminal defense attorney can help you submit a plea agreement. In the event that a plea cannot be reached, your case will go to trial, at which point a conviction will be made by a jury of your peers.

Appeals

The last stage of most criminal cases is the appeals process. At this time, your attorney can help you submit information to the court requesting that your case be expunged or reevaluated.

Make sure you’re getting the legal representation you need to protect your rights by contacting an experienced criminal lawyer immediately following an arrest. Give the Law Offices of Jeffrey C. Grass a call at to set up a free initial consultation. You can also visit us online for more information on our practice areas.