The Criminal Justice System. What Is It? There is no single criminal justice system in the United States but rather many similar, individual systems. How the criminal justice system works in each area depends on the jurisdiction that is in charge: city, county, state, federal or tribal government or military installation. Different jurisdictions have different laws, agencies, and ways of managing criminal justice processes. The main systems are: State: State criminal justice systems handle crimes committed within their state boundaries. Officers investigate crimes and gather and protect evidence.
SCC’s Criminal Justice program prepares graduates. Identify and understand the basic concepts. Improving Criminal Justice. Intervention in the Criminal Justice System. The main goal of screening criminal justice offenders is to identify those likely.
Law enforcement officers may arrest offenders, give testimony during the court process, and conduct follow- up investigations if needed. Prosecution: Prosecutors are lawyers who represent the state or federal government (not the victim) throughout the court process- from the first appearance of the accused in court until the accused is acquitted or sentenced. Prosecutors review the evidence brought to them by law enforcement to decide whether to file charges or drop the case. Prosecutors present evidence in court, question witnesses, and decide (at any point after charges have been filed) whether to negotiate plea bargains with defendants. They have great discretion, or freedom, to make choices about how to prosecute the case. Victims may contact the prosecutor's office to find out which prosecutor is in charge of their case, to inform the prosecutor if the defense attorney has contacted the victim. They are ether hired by the defendant or (for defendants who cannot afford an attorney) they are assigned by the court.
While the prosecutor represents the state, the defense attorney represents the defendant. They decide whether to release offenders before the trial. Judges accept or reject plea agreements, oversee trials, and sentence convicted offenders. In some communities, corrections officers prepare pre- sentencing reports with extensive background information about the offender to help judges decide sentences. The job of corrections officers is to make sure the facilities that hold offenders are secure and safe. They oversee the day- to- day custody of inmates. They also oversee the release processes for inmates and sometimes notify victims of changes in the offender's status.
The process may vary according to the jurisdiction, the seriousness of the crime (felony or misdemeanor),3 whether the accused is a juvenile or an adult, and other factors. Not every case will include all these steps, and not all cases directly follow this sequence. Many crimes are never prosecuted because they are not reported, because no suspects can be identified, or because the available evidence is not adequate for the prosecutor to build a case. Officers try to identify a suspect and find enough evidence to arrest the suspect they think may be responsible. This decision depends on the nature of the crime and other factors. If officers do not find a suspect and enough evidence, the case remains open. The judge decides whether there is enough evidence to hold the accused or release him or her.
If the defendant does not have an attorney, the court may appoint one or begin the process of assigning a public defender to represent the defendant. To be released on bail, defendants have to hand over cash or other valuables (such as property deeds) to the court as security to guarantee that the defendant will appear at the trial. Defendants may pay bail with cash or bond (an amount put up by a bail bondsman who collects a non- refundable fee from the defendant to pay the bail). The judge will also consider such factors as drug use, residence, employment, and family ties in deciding whether to hold or release the defendant. If the grand jury decides there is enough evidence, the grand jury submits to the court an indictment, or written statement of the facts of the offense charged against the accused. In other cases, the accused may have to appear at a preliminary hearing in court, where the judge may hear evidence and the defendant is formally indicted or released.
The defendant pleads guilty, not guilty, or no contest (accepts the penalty without admitting guilt). If the defendant pleads guilty or no contest, no trial is held, and offender is sentenced then or later.
If the defendant pleads not guilty, a date is set for the trial. If a plea agreement is negotiated, no trial is held. A plea agreement means that the defendant has agreed to plead guilty to one or more of the charges in exchange for one of the following: dismissal of one or more changes, a lesser degree of the charged offense, a recommendation for a lenient sentence, not recommending the maximum sentence, or making no recommendation. The law does not require prosecutors to inform victims about plea agreements or seek their approval. The prosecutor and defense attorney present evidence and question witnesses. The judge or jury finds the defendant guilty or not guilty on the original charges or lesser charges. Defendants found not guilty are usually released.
If the verdict is guilty, the judge will set a date for sentencing. In deciding on a sentence, the judge has a range of choices, depending on the crime. These choices include restitution (paying the victim for costs related to the crime), fines (paid to the court), probation, jail or prison, or the death penalty. In some cases, the defendant appeals the case, seeking either a new trial or to overturn or change the sentence. Probation or Parole: A judge may suspend a jail or prison sentence and instead place the offender on probation, usually under supervision in the community.
Identify and discuss the societal. Health & Life Sciences and Community Services Program. Given that the criminal justice system presides. Justice and Mental Health Collaboration.
- ASSESSING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF CRIMINAL. First we identify program effectiveness.
- The Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program is.
- Although mental illness is widely recognised as a problem in modern society, it presents particular challenges for the criminal justice system.
- Learn about career fields in the American criminal justice system; Find jobs in criminal justice; What Are the Components of the Criminal Justice System?
- Costs and other criminal justice system.
Offenders who have served part of their sentences in jail or prison may- under certain conditions- be released on parole, under the supervision of the corrections system or the court. Offenders who violate the conditions of their probation or parole can be sent to jail or prison. As a victim, you will need to know what to expect and have support throughout the process.
For example, if you are harassed or stalked by the offender at any point in the criminal justice process, you should immediately report these violations to the police and inform the prosecutor. Also, while the offender is in jail or prison, the corrections staff is generally required to notify you if the offender is released or escapes or if a parole hearing is pending, if you request such notification. Also, most states have automated notification systems that allow registered victims (those who sign up) to check on the status of an offender at any time. Such systems will automatically notify you of an inmate's escape or release. Victims do not have to talk to defense attorneys or their investigators and are encouraged to contact the prosecutor if they have any concerns about such requests. Felonies are punishable by more than one year in prison; misdemeanors are punishable by up to one year in jail.
See www. victimlaw. All rights reserved. Copyright . This information may be freely distributed, provided that it is distributed free of charge, reprinted in its entirety, and includes this copyright notice.