The Steps of the Criminal Process
> Click here to view a flow chart version of this process
Offense: The person commits a felony or misdemeanor
Arrest: The person is arrested by law enforcement
Jail / Bond
- Magistrate sets bond
- PR bond or cash/surety
- Release or remain in custody
Indictment / Information
- Felonies - present to Grand Jury; no bill and dismiss or true bill and assign to District Court
- Misdemeanors - CAO file information and assign to County Court or refuse to file
Discovery: Pre-trial motions
- Review prosecutor's case
- Motions to suppress, competency, affirmative defenses
Plea or Trial
- Plea - Negotiate charge and sentence
- Trial - Not guilty and release or Guilty verdict
Sentence: Plea or Trial
- Fines, court costs, community service, probation/parole, incarceration
- Special conditions
For more information, please call the Austin Criminal Defense
Law Office of Krista A. Chacona, P.C. at
(512) 617-5555. |