Criminal Justice Terms 2

Police investigate a crime to gather evidence to identify a suspect and support an arrest.

• arrest

• indictment

• arraignment

• investigation

when police take a suspect into custody until he or she can be brought before the court. There must be probable cause.

• indictment

• arrest

• investigation

• arraignment

a formal charge brought by a grand jury or filed by a prosecutor. An indictment is required for capital offenses. The grand jury only hears evidence presented by the prosecutor. The grand jury determines whether there is sufficient evidence to formally charge the defendant.

• arrest

• indictment

• trial

• appeal

This occurs before trial. The defendant makes his or her plea. The most common pleas are guilty or not guilty.

• arraignment

• bail

• plea bargin

• trial

money or property that a defendant puts forth as security to make sure they will show up for further criminal proceedings such as trial and sentencing.

• trial

• verdict

• investigation

• bail

usually involve the defendant pleading guilty to a lesser charge, fewer charges than originally charged with in an indictment, or a reduced statement.

• plea bargain

• trial

• verdict

• sentencing

Held before a judge or a jury. This is where a person is found guilty or innocent.

• bail

• appeal

• trial

• appeal

a decision of guilt or innocence

• verdict

• investigation

• arrest

• bail

includes: a fine, community service, probation, or a period of incarceration in a jail or prison, or a combination of the above.

• sentencing

• appeal

• bail

• arrest

A defendant found guilty of charges has the right to ask a higher court to review his/her case.

• sentencing

• trial

• appeal

• indictment