CRIMINAL LEGAL FLOWCHART

view A PRINT version of the chart here

Click on the buttons below to visit sections of the guide or websites that may be helpful for you during these stages


VIOLENT CRIME OCCURS

In the case of homicide, the family is typically notified by the CORONER or POLICE (NOPD)

POLICE INVESTIGATE THE CRIME
NOPD PROVIDES VICTIM-SURVIVOR WITH A VICTIM WITNESS ADVOCATE
CRIME VICTIM REPARATIONS FUNDS ARE AVAILABLE THROUGH SHERIFF'S OFFICE

If you are eligible, CRIME VICTIM REPARATIONS funds can cover out of pocket expenses related to the crime (medical/mental health, lost wages, funeral expenses, etc.)


ARREST MADE / SUSPECT BOOKED (TRACK STATUS)
TRACK CASE PROGRESS (DOCKET MASTER)

You can TRACK case progress or an incarcerated person’s status online by clicking on the buttons above

FIRST APPEARANCE / PROBABLE CAUSE HEARING

Magistrate: initial felony charges and bail

DISTRICT ATTORNEY REVIEWS CASE WITH POLICE

Case is REFUSED (process ends)

OR

Case is REFERRED to another jurisdiction (federal court is one example)

OR


CASE IS ACCEPTED BY THE DISTRICT ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
DA PROVIDES VICTIM-SURVIVOR WITH A VICTIM-WITNESS ADVOCATE

RELOCATION and other assistance may also be available

District Attorney files BILL OF INFORMATION

OR

Grand Jury BILL OF INDICTMENT (required for all CAPITAL cases, or cases that may result in a life sentence or the death penalty)

CASE IS ASSIGNED A CRIMINAL COURT SECTION AND JUDGE

ARRAIGNMENT (Plea of ‘guilty’ or ‘not guilty’, occurs approximately 48 hours after Bill of Information or Indictment)

PRELIMINARY HEARING (only for cases with Bill of Information)

PRE-TRIAL MOTIONS AND HEARINGS

During this phase DISCOVERY occurs, which decides what is allowed at trial

NEGOTIATED PLEA BARGAIN

This can happen at any time, sentencing by the judge

OR


TRIAL

Jury or Bench Trial

Opening arguments

Prosecution & defense present evidence

Closing arguments

Jury instructions & deliberations

If there is not a guilty verdict, defendant is released

OR IF THERE IS A….

GUILTY VERDICT

IF IT IS A NON-DEATH PENALTY CASE

Victim impact statement(s) are heard

A sentence is imposed by the judge

OR

IF IT IS A DEATH PENALTY CASE

There will be a PENALTY PHASE

Aggravating and/or mitigating factors are evaluated

Victim impact statement(s) are heard

Verdict (and sentencing decision) is reached by a jury

OPPORTUNITY FOR APPEAL

If a guilty verdict is reached, APPEALS are to be expected and can sometimes result in a new trial