who drafts up information in criminal justice proceeding? prosecutor, judge, attorney?

by Prof. Furman McGlynn II 6 min read

Depending on jurisdiction, after gathering enough evidence on a case to develop probable cause and effect an arrest, law enforcement either gives that evidence to the prosecutor’s office for review or drafts a complaint for presentment to a judge along with the suspect for arraignment.

Full Answer

What is the role of the prosecutor in criminal cases?

(c) Before trial of a criminal case, a prosecutor should make timely disclosure to the defense of information described in (a) above that is known to the prosecutor, regardless of whether the prosecutor believes it is likely to change the result of the proceeding, unless relieved of this responsibility by a court’s protective order.

How does the prosecutor present the case first in court?

Jan 05, 2022 · The plea process is an essential component of the criminal justice system. Below we describe in detail how this process plays out in a case. Overview Of Plea Bargaining The plea bargain is an agreement between a criminal defense attorney and the prosecution to resolve a criminal case and ends with a defendant pleading guilty or nolo...

What information should the Prosecutor’s Office provide to law enforcement?

How is a jury selected in a criminal case?

What are the 5 stages of the criminal justice system?

These five areas are: (1) community and law enforcement, (2) arrest and initial detention including court hearings, (3) jails and specialty courts, (4) reentry, and (5) community corrections.

What are the stages of the criminal justice process?

Steps in the criminal justice process include the investigation and arrest, pretrial activities, adjudication, sentencing, and corrections. The investigation provides police with the opportunity to collect evidence and attempt to reconstruct the crime as it occurred.Oct 27, 2021

What is the role of a prosecuting attorney?

The prosecutor is the principal representative of the state in all matters related to the adjudication of criminal offenses. He has a hand in virtually every decision made in the legal course of every case that comes before the criminal courts.

What are the 13 steps of the criminal justice process?

Terms in this set (13)investigation. ... Arrest. ... Booking. ... Charging. ... Initial appearance. ... preliminary hearing/ grand jury. ... Indictment/ information. ... Arraignment.More items...

Who are the first gatekeepers of the criminal justice system?

Police officers are the gatekeepers of the criminal justice process, and they use their power of arrest to initiate the criminal justice process.

What is the first formal step in the criminal justice process?

The first stage in the federal criminal process is an investigation into the crime, and the federal government uses certain agencies to perform this investigation.Nov 16, 2020

What is another name for the prosecuting attorney?

What is another word for prosecutor?lawyerattorneyprosecuting attorneydistrict attorneyprocurator fiscalpublic prosecutorstate attorneyprosecution officerjudge advocateattorney general35 more rows

What is the role of a judge during a trial?

In the U.S. judicial system, judges are tasked with presiding over trials and maintaining order. They also review whether or not there are any illegality issues per the evidence submitted. ... Additionally, judges are also responsible for sentencing convicted criminal defendants. Most cases are heard and settled by a jury.

Do prosecutors have more power than judges courtroom?

Journalist Emily Bazelon says most prosecutors, not judges, are the most powerful people in a courtroom.Sep 21, 2019

What are 3 major components of the criminal justice system?

THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM CONSISTS OF THE POLICE, THE COURTS, AND CORRECTIONS.

During which stage in the criminal justice process are suspects photographed and fingerprinted?

Large municipal agencies often have their own holding cells, while small and rural agencies usually use the county jail for booking and holding purposes. Booking is the process of officially recording that a person has been arrested. This usually involves identifying, photographing, and fingerprinting the suspect.Jun 29, 2021

Which step of the criminal justice process immediately follows the trial verdict?

A sentencing hearing occurs after the guilt stage of the case. In misdemeanors, the sentencing often occurs at the hearing where the defendant pled guilty or immediately after a verdict is rendered. At the sentencing, the judge sets a sentence for the crimes committed by the defendant.

What is bail bond?

Bail or bond is a way to make sure a defendant will return to court for the prosecution of the case. If the court is concerned the defendant is a flight risk and will not return for the process, the judge will order a higher bail or bond rate or will hold the defendant without the possibility of posting bail.

How does the criminal justice system work?

The criminal justice process begins before, during or after a crime is committed and law enforcement becomes involved. Law enforcement officers respond to a crime and begin their investigation to determine what happened, who was involved, what evidence they need to collect to determine what happened, and whether to arrest a suspect or suspects. If they are able to find enough evidence to develop probable cause (the belief that a person or persons are likely to have committed the crime), the police may then arrest someone in the crime by taking the suspect into custody or issuing a citation for the suspect to appear in court at a specific time. Police investigators may also be involved in follow-up investigations as the case is prosecuted, interviewing witnesses and gathering additional evidence. In some instances, no arrests are made because police lack evidence to do so, or the perpetrator cannot be identified or found.

Do you have rights under the Victims of Crime Act?

At the start, you should know that you have rights under the Victims of Crime Act. This is especially important to remember, because the criminal justice process can at times be disappointing or frustrating for survivors of gun violence. Understanding how the different pieces of the criminal justice system work might help you to best prepare for what is ahead. Seek support from friends and family, victim assistance workers or a mental health professional to help you in your journey.

What happens if a defendant does not plead guilty at the arraignment hearing?

If the defendant does not plead guilty at the arraignment hearing, a preliminary hearing is scheduled where the judge reviews the charges and makes a further determination on whether or not they believe there is sufficient evidence to prosecute the case. If the judge decides there is enough evidence to prosecute, the case will be scheduled for trial.

Can a defendant go to jail after being convicted?

If the defendant was convicted and sentenced to incarceration, the judge will determine when their sentence begins. While many defendants go immediately to prison, others are given some time before the date of their incarceration.They now have the right to appeal their conviction and their sentence. The appeals process can take years, and sometimes the decision can result in a new trial.

What is a plea deal?

A plea agreement, plea deal or plea bargain is any agreement between the defense and prosecution when the defendant agrees to plead guilty or nolo contendere (a plea by which a defendant in a criminal prosecution accepts conviction as though a guilty plea had been entered but does not admit guilt) in exchange for some consideration by the prosecutor. That could mean a lesser charge, or a lesser sentence.

What is the victim impact statement?

At the sentencing, victims of the crime are given a chance to submit, in writing, what is called a victim impact statement. In some courts, a survivor is also given the opportunity to stand before the judge, the jury and the convicted to share their story as it was submitted to tell the court how gun violence has changed their lives.

What is the first appearance of a defendant?

At First Appearance, the defendant is informed of the charges for which he/she was arrested and. is advised of his/her rights. The Judge reviews the law enforcement reports and may raise or lower the amount of the bond, or may release the defendant on his or her own recognizance.

How does the prosecutor present the case?

The prosecutor presents the state’s case first by calling and questioning witnesses on “direct examination.”. After direct examination of each witness, the defendant’s attorney is permitted to question the witness by “cross examination.”.

When did the statewide sentencing guidelines become effective?

Statewide sentencing guidelines became effective on October 1, 1983. These guidelines provide a range of recommended sentences for all felony cases. The court must sentence according to these guidelines unless the court states a clear and convincing reason why it chooses to sentence outside the guidelines.

Who selects the jury?

A jury is selected by the state and defense attorneys and seated as the first item of procedure. The trial begins with an “opening statement” from the assistant state attorney, hereinafter called “prosecutor” and the defense attorney.

Do you have to be present at an arraignment?

Arraignment. As the victim, you have the right to be present at arraignment. However, your presence is not required. At arraignment, the defendant will be formally advised of the charges filed by the State. The defendant is also informed of the right to an attorney.

What is the role of an assistant state attorney?

When the State Attorney’s Office receives a formal complaint from a law enforcement agency, an assistant state attorney, assigned to the case, will review the reports and may interview witnesses. It is important to cooperate with this office to ensure that all the information about the crime is provided.

Can a judge accept a guilty plea?

Due to the serious nature of felony charges, a judge rarely accepts a “guilty” or “ no contest” plea at arraignment . Therefore, other pre-trial proceedings will be scheduled. At misdemeanor arraignment, the judge will, quite frequently, accept a plea of “guilty” or “no contest”.

Why is it important to reform the criminal justice system?

It is an important function of the prosecutor to seek to reform and improve the administration of the criminal justice system. When inadequacies or injustices in legal system come to the prosecutor’s attention, he or she should pursue in efforts for remedial action in furtherance of a more fair system of justice.

What is the role of the prosecution in a criminal case?

What is the Role of the Prosecution in a Criminal Case? The United States has what is known as an “adversarial judicial system” – in other words, criminal cases are contests between two opposing sides, the prosecution and the defense, which ensures that evidence and legal arguments will be fairly presented to the court by both sides.

Does the prosecutor have a duty to do justice?

Contrary to popular belief, the prosecutor in a criminal case should not be out to get as many convictions as possible, but rather the prosecutor ultimately has a duty to do justice. If the office of prosecution realizes the defendant is not guilty of the charged offense, the prosecutor has the duty to not prosecute that individual.

What is the role of a criminal prosecutor in California?

The criminal prosecutor is the legal representative of the ‘People of California’ in making sure the laws are enforced. These are the main functions of the Prosecutor in the California Criminal Justice System:

What is the duty of a prosecutor?

The duty of the prosecutor is to seek justice, not merely to convict. Therefore if at any time the prosecution believes the defendant is not guilty of the crime, he or she should not proceed with prosecution in the case.

What is plea bargain?

The plea bargain is an agreement between a criminal defense attorney and the prosecution to resolve a criminal case and ends with a defendant pleading guilty or nolo contendre (no contest) in exchange for a reduced sentence or to a lesser charge. Nolo Contendre.

Do judges get involved in the plea process?

Judges get involved in the plea process as well. By meeting in chambers with the prosecution and defense attorneys who may be entrenched in their positions, the judge will generally assess the evidence against you and whatever defenses are available.

What is a plea of Nolo contendre?

A plea of nolo contendre is a guilty plea. Its effect is in civil cases where a victim may elect to sue the defendant for civil damages by not allowing the plea in the criminal case to be evidence of an admission of guilt to the underlying charge. About 90% of all criminal cases end in a plea agreement. The ones that do go to trial are usually in ...

What is a plea agreement?

A plea agreement must be approved by the court. In rare situations, a judge will reject an agreement made by a prosecutor and defense attorney requiring a renegotiation of the plea. The Plea Must Be Voluntary.

What are the rights of a jury?

Right to a trial by jury of 12 persons who must find you guilty by a unanimous verdict 1. Right to present your own witnesses and evidence. Right to remain silent and to not testify or offer any evidence. Understanding of the immigration consequences if you are not a US citizen or of other constitutional rights.

Victims’ Rights

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At the start, you should know that you have rights under the Victims of Crime Act. This is especially important to remember, because the criminal justice process can at times be disappointing or frustrating for survivors of gun violence. Understanding how the different pieces of the criminal justice system work might …
See more on everytownsupportfund.org

Police Investigations

  • The criminal justice process begins before, during or after a crime is committed and law enforcement becomes involved. Law enforcement officers respond to a crime and begin their investigation to determine what happened, who was involved, what evidence they need to collect to determine what happened, and whether to arrest a suspect or suspects. If they are able to fin…
See more on everytownsupportfund.org

Charges and Formal Complaint

  • Depending on jurisdiction, after gathering enough evidence on a case to develop probable cause and effect an arrest, law enforcement either gives that evidence to the prosecutor’s office for review or drafts a complaint for presentment to a judge along with the suspect for arraignment. If a prosecutor is required, he or she may be with the city, county, state or federal prosecutor’s offi…
See more on everytownsupportfund.org

Posting Bail Or Bond

  • At the initial appearance, the judge will determine if the defendant may be released on their own recognizance or on bail, or if the defendant will be held until trial. Bail is money paid to the court to allow the defendant to be released from jail until the trial. A bail bond is bail paid to the court on behalf of the defendant, usually by a bail bondsman or bond company. It is important to rememb…
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The Trial

  • If the defendant does not plead guilty at the arraignment hearing, a preliminary hearing is scheduled where the judge reviews the charges and makes a further determination on whether or not they believe there is sufficient evidence to prosecute the case. If the judge decides there is enough evidence to prosecute, the case will be scheduled for trial. A trial is where the jury will he…
See more on everytownsupportfund.org

Plea Agreements

  • At any time during the process, a prosecutor may offer a plea deal to the defense. A plea agreement, plea deal or plea bargain is any agreement between the defense and prosecution when the defendant agrees to plead guilty or nolo contendere (a plea by which a defendant in a criminal prosecution accepts conviction as though a guilty plea had been entered but does not a…
See more on everytownsupportfund.org

Attending Court Proceedings

  • As a survivor of gun violence, you may or may not want to attend the criminal court proceedings in your case. If you are not subpoenaed by the court to testify, the decision to attend is entirely up to you. If you do decide to attend, it is helpful to know how the court expects everyone in the courtroom to present themselves and behave during legal arguments, testimony and court ruling…
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Victim Witness Statement

  • At the conclusion of a trial, if the defendant is convicted of a crime, the judge will sentence the individual or individuals in the case. At the sentencing, victims of the crime are given a chance to submit, in writing, what is called a victim impact statement. In some courts, a survivor is also given the opportunity to stand before the judge, the jury and the convicted to share their story a…
See more on everytownsupportfund.org

After Sentencing

  • If the defendant was convicted and sentenced to incarceration, the judge will determine when their sentence begins. While many defendants go immediately to prison, others are given some time before the date of their incarceration.They now have the right to appeal their conviction and their sentence. The appeals process can take years, and sometimes the decision can result in a …
See more on everytownsupportfund.org

When There Is No Resolution

  • In some cases of gun violence, there are no arrests because the perpetrator cannot be found, is deceased, or there was not enough evidence to make an arrest. Even if an arrest does occur, a prosecutor may decide they cannot prosecute the case based on a lack of evidence. Some cases are prosecuted and the judge or jury decides not to convict. All of these scenarios may cause m…
See more on everytownsupportfund.org

Stages in The Criminal Justice System

  1. Crime Committed
  2. Law Enforcement Investigation
  3. Suspect Charged or Arrested
  4. First Appearance (if arrested)
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First Appearance

  • If a defendant is arrested and unable to post bond, he or she is entitled to appear before a judge within 24 hours. At First Appearance, the defendant is informed of the charges for which he/she was arrested and is advised of his/her rights. The Judge reviews the law enforcement reports and may raise or lower the amount of the bond, or may release the defendant on his or her own reco…
See more on sao12.org

Filing of Criminal Charges

  • When the State Attorney’s Office receives a formal complaint from a law enforcement agency, an assistant state attorney, assigned to the case, will review the reports and may interview witnesses. It is important to cooperate with this office to ensure that all the information about the crime is provided. This review of the case will determine if there is sufficient evidence to pursue …
See more on sao12.org

Victim Impact/Restitution Statement

  • The Office of the State Attorney provides each victim with a Victim Impact/Restitution Statement for completion. This form affords the opportunity to provide information concerning the effect of the crime, the financial losses incurred and your recommendation for a sentence in this case. Please complete the statement promptly as requested and return it to the State Attorney’s Office…
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Victim Compensation

  • The Bureau of Victim Compensation was established by the State of Florida to financially aid innocent victims/survivors of violent crime (including DUI and Hit & Run charges). Victim Compensation is a Payer of Last Resort that provides benefits, within limits and in the event the crime has produced a financial hardship, for medical expenses, funeral costs, counseling, loss o…
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You May Be Eligible If You are...

  1. an adult victim or intervenor who has been physically injured as a result of a crime
  2. a victim or intervenor who has suffered psychiatric or psychological injury as a result of a forcible felony
  3. a surviving spouse, parent or guardian, sibling, child or principal dependent of a deceased victim
  1. an adult victim or intervenor who has been physically injured as a result of a crime
  2. a victim or intervenor who has suffered psychiatric or psychological injury as a result of a forcible felony
  3. a surviving spouse, parent or guardian, sibling, child or principal dependent of a deceased victim
  4. the parent or guardian of a minor or incompetent victim that has been injured as a result of a crime

Arraignment

  • As the victim, you have the right to be present at arraignment. However, your presence is not required. At arraignment, the defendant will be formally advised of the charges filed by the State. The defendant is also informed of the right to an attorney. If the accused indicates an inability to afford an attorney but wishes to be represented, the judge may appoint an attorney from the Pub…
See more on sao12.org

Depositions

  • A deposition is an interview or testimony taken under oath of any or all witnesses in a case by the defendant’s attorney after formal charges have been filed. In most cases, an assistant state attorney will also be present during the deposition which maybe recorded by either a court reporter or by a tape recorder which will later be produced into a written transcript. The defenda…
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Pre-Trial Proceedings

  • CASE MANAGEMENT, PRE-TRIAL CONFERENCES, PLEA HEARINGS, MOTION HEARINGS, and DOCKET SOUNDING are all types of pre-trial proceedings. Case Managementin Felony Court is a calendared date when the prosecutor, defense attorney and the judge select a trial date for a case. Generally, details of the case are not discussed other than the trial period in which the cas…
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Trial Procedure

  • A jury is selected by the state and defense attorneys and seated as the first item of procedure. The trial begins with an “opening statement” from the assistant state attorney, hereinafter called “prosecutor” and the defense attorney. The opening statement outlines the facts that each party expects to establish during the trial. The prosecutor presents the state’s case first by calling an…
See more on sao12.org

Adversarial Justice System

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What is the Role of the Prosecution in a Criminal Case? The United States has what is known as an “adversarial judicial system” – in other words, criminal cases are contests between two opposing sides, the prosecution and the defense, which ensures that evidence and legal arguments will be fairly presented to the court by …
See more on esfandilawfirm.com

Los Angeles Prosecution For The Role of The Prosecution in A Criminal Case

  • In greater Los Angeles, the agency that handles the prosecution side in a criminal case depends on where the offense occurred and whether the offense is a felony or a misdemeanor: Felony Prosecution The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office handles the prosecution of all felony offenses that occur in cities or unincorporated areas of Los Angeles County. Misdemean…
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Duties of The Prosecutor For The Role of The Prosecution in A Criminal Case

  • The criminal prosecutor is the legal representative of the ‘People of California’ in making sure the laws are enforced. These are the main functions of the Prosecutor in the California Criminal Justice System: Carry Out Legal Proceedings The office of prosecutor is charged with the responsibility of carrying out legal proceedings against a person accused of a crime in its jurisdi…
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Do You Need A Criminal Defense Attorney?

  • If you or a loved one are facing criminal charges of any kind in Los Angeles, or the Southern California area, you need to hire an attorney who has long-standing professional relationships with the Judges and District Attorneys, as well as proven track record. Don’t panic. We’re here to help. Call Us for a Free Consultation: 310-274-6529 Seppi Esfandi is an expert in Criminal Law who ha…
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