Criminal Prosecution

Typical Criminal Prosecution Process

1. A crime is committed
2. The appropriate law enforcement agency investigates and either issues a citation, arrests the offender, or forwards the case to the prosecuting attorney for review.
3. If case is forwarded to prosecuting attorney and prosecutor finds a criminal charge is appropriate, a petition or complaint is filed in District Court.
4. If a misdemeanor charge:
   1. Arraignment Hearing
   2. Pre-trial Hearing
   3. Trial
   4. Sentencing
5. If a gross misdemeanor or felony charge:
   1. First Appearance (Rule 5 Hearing)
   2. Second Appearance (Rule 8 Hearing)
   3. Omnibus Hearing
   4. Settlement Conference
   5. Trial
   6. Sentencing