What are the different stages of criminal procedure?

Criminal procedure is the process by which the criminal justice system identifies, investigates, and prosecutes people accused of criminal offenses in Delaware. It is a complex system, with many different stages that must be completed before a case can be resolved. These stages can vary slightly depending on the specific laws in the state, but some common stages of criminal procedure in Delaware are as follows: 1. Investigation by law enforcement. This includes collecting evidence and questioning potential suspects and witnesses. 2. Issuance of an arrest warrant or summons. A warrant or summons is issued if the police have probable cause to believe a person committed a crime. 3. Arraignment. This is the first hearing for the accused, where they can enter a plea of “guilty” or “not guilty.” 4. Discovery. During this stage, both the prosecutor and defense can access evidence and information to prepare their case. 5. Pre-trial motions. These are requests from both sides to the court, such as a motion to dismiss the charges. 6. Trial. During the trial, the prosecutor and defense will present evidence and arguments. The jury will ultimately decide whether the accused is guilty or not guilty. 7. Sentencing. If the accused is found guilty, the judge will impose a sentence. This could be a fine, probation, or even jail time. 8. Appeal. Either the prosecutor or defense can appeal the ruling to a higher court. These steps are just a rough outline of the stages of criminal procedure in Delaware. Each case is unique and the process can be different depending on the specific circumstances.

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What are the different stages of criminal procedure?

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