What is the process of police investigations in criminal cases?

Police investigations in criminal cases in South Carolina follow a specific process. First, police officers respond to the scene of the crime. Depending upon the nature of the investigation, officers may take steps to gather evidence, including taking photographs or making sketches of the scene. Then, officers may question witnesses and victims to gain further details about the crime. Next, officers interview suspects to determine their involvement in the crime. During an interrogation, officers may use psychological techniques to extract a confession or to get more information about the crime. In South Carolina, a suspect must be read their Miranda rights before any questioning can take place. If a suspect confesses, the case may move to the trial phase more quickly. In South Carolina, confessions made in police custody must be corroborated by other evidence in order for them to be admissible in court. Otherwise, police may search for additional evidence, such as DNA samples from the scene of the crime. Finally, the prosecution will compile all of the evidence they have gathered and build a case against the suspect. During the trial, the defense team will argue against any evidence presented against their client. In some cases, the accused may plead guilty, and a hearing will be held to determine a suitable sentence. Otherwise, the judge or jury will decide the suspect’s fate based on the evidence presented.

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