• A police officer actually observes wrongdoing;
• A anonymous call may be made complaining of wrongdoing;
• A person calls law enforcement officers to report the crime and an investigation is launched based on the victim’s allegations.

1. Search Warrant: If officers believe there is evidence of a crime at a particular location, they may seek a search warrant permitting them to search the premises. A warrant is obtained by submitting evidence to a judge or magistrate who reviews the information submitted and decides whether there is probable cause or “exigent circumstances” that support it.
2. Interrogation: Officers may question witnesses and potential suspects, provided that their constitutional rights (Federal and State) are not violated.
3. Arrest: Arrests can be made when information is obtained in a number of ways:
a) If law enforcement officers have probable cause, they may arrest the person under suspicion; or
b) If a person commits a felony or misdemeanor crime in the presence of an officer.

If officers wish to arrest a person in a private place, they must first obtain an arrest warrant. An arrest may be made in a public place with, or without, a warrant.

1. Jury Selection: The defendant and the prosecution have the right to challenge potential jurors. Jurors are often challenged to see if they have pre-existing knowledge about a case, to see whether they are capable of hearing and understanding the testimony, or to see if they have any relationship with the prosecutor or the defendant. Peremptory challenges allow the defendant and prosecutor to eliminate certain jurors for any reason they want.
2. The Prosecution: The prosecutor has the burden of proof in criminal cases and must prove his/her case “beyond a reasonable doubt.” This is a very difficult standard to define and gives criminal defendants an advantage.
3. The Defense: The defendant has the right to present witnesses, evidence, and also has the right to "confront" or cross-examine the witnesses brought forward by the prosecution.
4. Closing Arguments: The attorneys then sum up their arguments to the jury based on the facts presented and the applicable law. In Arizona, the prosecution goes first, then the defendant. The prosecution then gets a “rebuttal” also known as the final argument.
5. Jury Charge: Once all of the evidence has been presented by both parties, the judge gives jurors instruction on the law applicable to the charges.

What is a verdict?

A jury is required to consider the evidence against a criminal defendant and to decide whether to enter a verdict of "guilty" or "not guilty." A jury may find a person guilty of all, some, or none of the crimes charged. If the verdict is guilty, the defendant may have a right to appeal. If the verdict is not guilty, the court or the prosecutors cannot overturn the jury’s verdict. In addition, you cannot be tried more than once for the same crime. This is known as the prohibition against double jeopardy. This is why an experienced criminal law attorney is needed. Criminal defendants, when convicted, lose many rights, sometimes forever. If the case is handled and prepared for properly, by experienced counsel, the odds for a not-guilty verdict are much greater than if a defendant acted on his/her own behalf.

What is the criminal justice process?

How/why does an investigation start?

What are the steps in the investigation process?

Whate is a complaint and an information?

What is a and misdemeanor?

What is a felony?

What is an arraignment or preliminary hearing?

What is a plea bargaining?

What are the steps in the trial process?

What is a verdict?

What are the steps in an appeal?

What should I do?