Steps in a
Civil Lawsuit
Civil Case Procedure
Plaintiff files a complaint
(in order to recover
damages or receive $$
compensation)
Possible plea
Bargain here
Case is heard by a judge
or jury.
- Then a verdict is given
If the defendant or
plaintiff loses…
They may appeal to the
Next higher level court
Criminal Procedures in a Felony Case
ARREST
Suspect given the Miranda
warning and charge (book) the
suspect with a crime
(arrests only occur with probable cause)
Preliminary Hearing
Arraignment
Suspect appears before a
Judge and is informed of his/
her charge(s) (Writ of
Habeas Corpus). Bail is set.
Indictment
Suspect brought before a grand jury
to see if there is enough evidence
for a trial. If there is enough, the suspect
is indicted or formally charged
Trial
Prosecution and Defense present their
case to a jury or judge who reaches a
verdict.
Trial
Prosecution and Defense present
their case to a jury or judge who
reaches a verdict.
Sentencing
Defendant found
Guilty.
-Judge or jury sentences
(issues punishment)
the defendant 
**Remember, cases can always be appealed to higher courts by
the defendant if they feel a mistake was made in their case and lead
to a guilty verdict.
Acquittal
Defendant found
not guilty and goes
free! 