There are multiple basic steps in the U.S. criminal justice process. The following are the basic steps: investigation, arrest, prosecution, indictment / information, arraignment, pretrial detention / bail, plea bargaining, trial, sentencing, appeals, punishment / rehabilitation.
Investigation / Arrest. Law enforcement officers usually begin conducting an investigation when they arrive at the scene of an alleged crime. Grand Jury Proceedings. Arraignment. Bail Bonds. Pretrial Motions. Trial. Sentencing Hearing. Appeals.
Criminal court Charges are filed. Typically, the prosecutor files a Complaint. Arraignment. The defendant goes to court. Pretrial activities. Trial. Sentencing. After sentencing.
Steps of The Criminal Justice System Arrest. An arrest is made by the Police/Sheriff Department or a citation to appear in Court is issued. Initial Appearance. Preliminary Hearing or Trial Information. Arraignment. Pleas. Jury Selection. Trial. A trial usually consists of the following steps:
For many misdemeanor crimes, bail will be based on established amounts. For other crimes, the judge will set bail at an appropriate amount for the alleged crime, keeping in mind that, under the U.S. Constitution, it's illegal to set bail excessively high to force a person to remain in jail.
Investigation / Arrest. Law enforcement officers usually begin conducting an investigation when they arrive at the scene of an alleged crime. Grand Jury Proceedings. Arraignment. Bail Bonds. Pretrial Motions. Trial. Sentencing Hearing. Appeals.
If you can't make bail in Texas, you will stay in jail until you have served your sentence in full, have completely beaten your case through a not guilty verdict or dismissal, or until you are released on probation. To finally resolve a case, it can take anywhere from a few months to a few years.
If bail is not posted and the district attorney pursues charges, he or she will remain in jail until the case is finally resolved. You do not need a criminal attorney to post bond, but an attorney can help reduce the amount of bond and help you navigate the bail system.
Failing to post bond has several consequences: Extended Jail Time: You remain in custody until your court date, ranging from weeks to months. Court Appearances: Regular court appearances are required. Impact on Employment and Family: Prolonged jail time can lead to job loss and financial strain.
The maximum duration of detention without charges in Texas is 48 hours, with consequences for exceeding this limit. Individuals facing criminal prosecution have access to their constitutional rights such as the right to remain silent, an attorney, and Miranda warnings.