Interactive Scenario
Arrest
A case starts when the police arrest someone for allegedly breaking the law.
Arraignment
This is the first time you go to court. The judge reads the charges against you, and you (or your lawyer) will enter a plea of "guilty" or "not guilty." The judge will also decide on bail.
Competency Hearing
If there's a question about whether you can understand the court case and help your lawyer, the court holds a competency hearing. A doctor will talk to you. The goal is to make sure you can get a fair trial. If you are found not competent, the case is paused while you get help to understand.
Discovery
This is when the prosecutor and your defense lawyer share all the information they have about the case. This includes police reports, witness statements, and other evidence. This helps both sides prepare for trial and makes sure there are no surprises.
Trial
This is where both sides present their case to a judge or a jury. The prosecutor tries to prove the defendant is guilty, and the defense attorney argues against it. After hearing all the evidence, the judge or jury decides if the defendant is "guilty" or "not guilty."
Sentencing
If the defendant is found guilty, the judge decides on the punishment, which is called the sentence. This could be jail time, a fine, probation, or other things.
What is an Appeal?
If you are found guilty, you can ask a higher court to review your case. This is called an appeal. You are not re-doing the trial. Instead, the higher court looks for legal mistakes that might have happened during the original trial. If they find a serious mistake, they can order a new trial or even dismiss the charges.