Adult Justice Scenarios

Marcus is walking home when a police officer stops him. The officer says there is a report that Marcus was involved in a fight at the park. After talking to Marcus, the officer arrests him and says he is being taken to jail. What happens next?

• Marcus will go straight to prison

• Marcus will be taken to jail and wait for a judge

• Narcus will go home right away

At the jail, the officer takes Marcus’s picture and fingerprints. Marcus has to give his name and answer some questions. This is called the booking process. What happens next?

• Marcus will get a trial right away

• Marcus will ahve to wait for the first court appearance

• Marcus will be released without any more steps

Marcus is brought to court the day after his arrest. The judge tells him what he is being accused of. The judge also decides whether Marcus can go home before his trial. What happens next?

• The judge decideds if Marcus will be released or must stay in jail

• Marcus goes to trial right away

• Marcus goes back home without any charges

Marcus is accused of a serious crime, so his case must go before a grand jury. The grand jury listens to the evidence to decide if there is enough proof to charge him with a crime. What happens next?

• The grand jury decides if there is enough evidence for a trial

• Marcus automatically goes to jail

• Marcus is allowed to skip trial and go home

Marcus's case goes to trial. At the trial, a judge and jury listen to both sides. The prosecutor tries to show that Marcus committed the crime, and Marcus's lawyer defends him. What happens next?

• The judge and jury decide if Marcus is guilty or not

• Marcus will ahve to leave the trial

• Marcus will be sent to jail no matter what

The jury decides that Marcus is guilty. Now the judge must decide what the punishment will be. The judge listens to both sides and then announces the sentence. What happens next?

• The judge will decide Marcus's punishment

• Marcus can leave without punishment

• Marcus decides his own punishment

Sarah is at a store when a police officer approaches her. The officer says that Sarah is suspected of taking something without paying. After asking her a few questions, the officer places Sarah under arrest. What happens next?

• Sarah is taken straight to prison

• Sarah is taken to jail and will see a judge

• Sarah is sent home without any charges

At the police station, the officers take Sarah’s photo and fingerprints. She has to answer some questions about herself, like her name and address. This is called being “booked.” What happens next?

• Sarah will go straight to trial

• Sarah will be kept in jail until her first court appearance

• Sarah is allowed to go home after booking.

The next morning, Sarah appears in front of a judge. The judge tells Sarah what crime she is being accused of and explains her rights. The judge also decides if Sarah can be released from jail while waiting for her trial. What happens next?

• The judge will decide if Sarah can leave jail until her trial

• Sarah will go to trial immediately

• Sarah can go home without having to return to court

Sarah has a preliminary hearing to see if there is enough evidence to continue the case. The prosecutor presents evidence, and Sarah’s lawyer can defend her. The judge then decides if the case will move forward.

What happens next?

• The judge will decide if there's enough evidence for a trial

• Sarah will be found guilty right away

• Sarah will go straight to jail after the hearing