Criminal Prosecution

Typical Criminal Prosecution Process

1. A crime is committed
2. The law enforcement agency in charge investigates the case and then decides what action to take. They might give a ticket, arrest the person, or send the case to the prosecutor for review.
3. If the prosecutor decides a crime was committed, they will file official charges in District Court.
4. If a misdemeanor charge:
   1. Arraignment Hearing
   2. Pre-trial Hearing
   3. Trial
   4. Sentencing
5. If a gross misdemeanor or felony charge:
   1. First Appearance (Rule 5 Hearing)
   2. Second Appearance (Rule 8 Hearing)
   3. Omnibus Hearing
   4. Settlement Conference
   5. Trial
   6. Sentencing