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What is the Office of Statewide Prosecution?

The Office is charged with the responsibility to prosecute certain organized criminal activities which occur in, or affect, two or more judicial circuits-for example: bribery; burglary; criminal usury; extortion; gambling; kidnapping; larceny; murder;

What does the judge do at a sentencing hearing?

At the sentencing hearing and prior to pronouncing the sentence, the judge gives the defense and prosecution an opportunity to present their recommendations to the court, along with those of the victim (s), should the victim (s) wish to speak.

How long does it take for a defendant to appear before a judge?

Within 24 hours of his/her arrest the accused criminal, known as the " defendant " is brought before the judge for first appearance . At this hearing the judge informs the defendant of the charges against him/her, advises the defendant of his/her right to counsel, and explains the amount of bond.

What is the process of a crime?

The process begins when a victim, or one having knowledge of a crime, files a sworn statement with the proper authority known as a complaint . Once a complaint has been investigated, and the complaint is found to have probable cause, a crime can be charged either by information or indictment. An information is a sworn document signed by ...

How does a trial start?

The trial begins with the selection of the jury. The attorneys for each side question a pool of potential jurors and use an allotment of strikes to excuse those potential jurors who they believe will not be fair and impartial. This process continues until each side exhausts their strikes or agree on a jury.

Do victims have a right to a speedy trial?

According to the Constitution, victims also have a right to a speedy trial, but only to the extent that this right does not interfere with the constitutional rights of the accused. A time period for the victims right to a speedy trial has not been defined by the law.

What is an information in a criminal case?

An information is a sworn document signed by the prosecuting authority (in this case the Office of Statewide Prosecution) which charges a person with the a violation of the law. An information may charge any crime except a crime punishable by death. An indictment is a charging document filed by a grand jury and may indict on any crime.