Adult and Juvenile Justice Systems in Georgia.

Front

• Steps in the Adult Criminal Justice System (Beginning with Arrest):

Back

1. 1. Arrest

2. 2. Booking

3. 3. Initial Appearance (Arraignment)

4. 4. Preliminary Hearing (for felonies)

5. 5. Grand Jury Indictment (for felonies)

6. 6. Plea Bargaining

7. 7. Tria

8. 8. Verdict

9. 9. Sentencing (if guilty)

10. 10. Appeals

Front

•  Steps in the Adult Criminal Justice System

1. 1. Arrest?

Back

Law enforcement arrests individuals suspected of a crime, informing them of their Miranda Rights, which include the right to remain silent and an attorney.

Front

• Steps in the Adult Criminal Justice System

2. 2. Booking

Back

2. The arrested person is taken to a police station or jail, where their information is recorded, fingerprinted, photographed, and their belongings are inventoried.

Front

• Steps in the Adult Criminal Justice System

3. 3. Initial Appearance (Arraignment):

Back

3. The person appears before a judge. The judge informs them of the charges, their rights, and sets bail (money paid to ensure they return to court).

Front

• Steps in the Adult Criminal Justice System

  1. 4. Preliminary Hearing (for felonies):

Back

1. The judge determines if there is enough evidence (probable cause) to move the case to the grand jury for felony charges.

Front

• Steps in the Adult Criminal Justice System

5. 5. Grand Jury Indictment (for felonies)

Back

5. A group of citizens reviews the evidence to decide if there is enough to formally accuse (indict) the person of a felony.

Front

• Steps in the Adult Criminal Justice System

6. 6. Plea Bargaining

Back

6. The defendant may negotiate with the prosecution for a lesser charge or sentence in exchange for a guilty plea.

Front

• Steps in the Adult Criminal Justice System

7. 7. Trial:

Back

7. If no plea bargain is reached, the case goes to trial. The prosecution must prove guilt "beyond a reasonable doubt." The defendant has the right to an attorney and to present a defense.

Front

• Steps in the Adult Criminal Justice System

8. 8. Verdict:

Back

The jury (or judge in a bench trial) decides if the defendant is guilty or not guilty.

Front

•  Steps in the Adult Criminal Justice System

9. 9. Sentencing (if guilty)

Back

9. The judge imposes a sentence, which can include fines, probation, jail or prison time, community service, etc.