Criminal Case Procedures
Name:
Time:
Date:
Directions: Read the flow chart about how a criminal case is processed in California (and most
states). Answer the questions below.
Criminal Case Procedure: CA Superior Courts
Misdemeanor (minor crime) information
is filed.
Felony (major crime) information is filed.
A warrant is issued for the defendant
(accused) to appear in Superior Court.
A warrant is issued for the defendant’s
arrest. Bail may be set at this time.
The warrant or charges
dismissed.
A preliminary hearing is held to decide if
a trial should be held.
A defendant is held over for trial and
felony information is filed.
Arraignment: defendant enters an
innocent or guilty plea.
Discovery: information is shared among
the parties involved in the crime.
Guilty plea or found guilty by a
judge or jury.
Trial begins. A judge or jury will
determine the verdict: innocent or guilty.
Defendant is sentenced.
Appeal is filed with the Appellate
Court.
Found not guilty by a judge or jury.
1. In a misdemeanor case, what happens if the defendant does not show up for court?
2. An innocent or guilty plea is entered during the
phase.
3. Murder is a major crime. In law, this would also be called a
4. What is a defendant?
5. What is the next step after a defendant is found guilty?
6. What do you think happens if a defendant is found not guilty?
7. Who determines whether a defendant is innocent or guilty?
8. If a defendant does not like the verdict, they can appeal to the
Court.
Directions: Read the flow chart about how a criminal case is processed in California (and most
states) and the federal court system. Answer the questions below.
California Superior Courts
(trial courts)
Appellate Court: Courts of Appeal
Reviews cases from the Superior Courts
for legal errors and can accept or reject
the original verdict. They cannot review
death penalty cases.
Appellate Court: CA Supreme Court
Reviews cases of the Appellate Court and
hears appeals of death penalty cases and
hears cases involving judges and
lawyers.
U.S. Tax Court
U.S. Court of
Veterans Appeals
Territorial Courts
U.S. Court of
Federal Claims
U.S. District
Courts
U.S. Court of
International
Trade
Federal Court System
Military Courts
Federal
Regulatory
Agencies
U.S. Courts of the
District of
Columbia
U.S. Court of
Appeals
U.S. Court of
Appeals for the
Federal Circuit
U.S. Court of
Military Appeals
The United States Supreme Court
This court has the final say on the Constitution and all legal matters.
9. After the Superior Court trial, a death penalty case goes to
10. The U.S. Tax Court is a part of what system?
11. After the California Supreme Court, a case can go to the
appeal.
12. The
13. After the Territorial Courts, a case goes where?
14. What is the highest court in the United States?
has the final say on all legal matters.
for