The Adjudication Process

The criminal complaint is filed by the prosecution to start the criminal court proceedings.

If the defendant enters a plea of nolo contendere at the preliminary hearing the criminal court will treat it the same as a plea of guilty.

The preliminary hearing must be held no later than 48 hours after the arrest.

Bail will be denied if the judge rules that the defendant should be 'held to answer' at the end of the preliminary hearing.

The prosecutor may include crimes in the Information only if the judge ruled that the defendant is 'bound over for trial' on those charges.

Grand jury proceedings are required by the U.S. Constitution in all cases involving felonies.

During discovery, the prosecution has a duty to disclose evidence in its possession that tends to indicate the defendant is not guilty.

Double jeopardy prevents the prosecution from appealing a judge's ruling at a pre-trial suppression hearing.

A judge cannot accept a plea bargain after the jury is sworn in.

During voir dire, prospective jurors are questioned to determine their ability to serve on the jury.