What are the different stages of criminal procedure?

Criminal procedure in South Carolina is the procedure that outlines how the criminal justice system will handle a crime. The criminal procedure is divided into four main stages: investigation, filing of charges, trial, and sentencing. The investigation is the first stage of criminal procedure. During this stage, police officers and detectives collect evidence and information about the alleged crime to determine if any laws have been broken. This includes gathering witness testimony and surveillance video or other evidence. If there is sufficient evidence of a crime, police will file charges against the suspected individual. The next stage is the filing of charges. This is when the prosecutor officially files the charges against the suspect. At this stage, the suspect is given the opportunity to enter a plea of guilty or not guilty. The third stage of criminal procedure is the trial. During the trial, both the defense and prosecution present evidence and witnesses. The jury or judge then makes a decision based on the evidence presented. If the accused is found guilty, the judge will determine a sentence. The final stage of criminal procedure is sentencing. During this stage, the judge orders a punishment for the suspect. This can include probation, jail time, or fines. The judge can also order other punishments, such as taking classes or attending counseling sessions. Criminal procedure in South Carolina is designed to protect the rights of suspects and ensure justice is done. Following the four-stage process helps ensure that every case is handled in a fair and consistent manner.

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What are the different stages of criminal procedure?

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