IndexThe ArrestInitial AppearancePreliminary HearingGrand JuryThe TrialSentencingAppealThe criminal justice system's process for an arrest is virtually the same for every state, with only a few exceptions. Depending on the state an individual is in will determine the process of their arrest and the crimes they are accused of. Suspects will go through the same stages of an arrest until they are sentenced. This document will detail the different stages of an arrest from the time a suspect is arrested through trial and sentencing. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get Original Essay Arresting The job of an officer is not an easy task and when it comes to arresting someone, the process should be followed appropriately. When it comes to taking someone into custody, the suspect is arrested, charged, read his or her rights and taken to jail. The suspect will be booked, which means he will be photographed, fingerprinted, and given a receipt for his possessions (Palmer-Johnson, 2015). Once the trial is complete, the defendant will be placed in a holding cell to await a court appearance. Initial Appearance The initial appearance phase involves the judge reviewing the case and determining whether there is sufficient probable cause to believe the defendant is guilty or not guilty. (Holloway, 2014). Once the judge has reviewed the evidence, he or she will inform the defendant of the charges, set bail, and set a date for the preliminary hearing. If there is sufficient evidence to believe that the defendant committed the crime, the next step would be to set a date for a preliminary hearing or grand jury (Holloway, 2014). Once the date is set, the defendant will wait for the preliminary hearing date. Preliminary HearingThe next stage is the preliminary hearing, which will determine whether a crime has been committed and whether the defendant should stand trial or not. The prosecutor will present enough evidence to prove that the defendant is guilty (Holloway, 2014). The judge examines the facts of the case and will decide whether or not to proceed to trial. If the judge does not agree that there is enough evidence to charge the defendant, the charges will be dropped. In this case, prosecutors will take the case to a grand jury (Holloway, 2014). Here the jury will decide the course of the case on a more private level. Grand Jury The grand jury is responsible for determining whether or not the government has sufficient evidence to proceed with a criminal trial (Peabody, 2014). They are not tasked with ascertaining the guilt or innocence of the accused; rather they serve as a buffer between the government and people accused of crimes. Cases are heard by the jury where witnesses are called and evidence is presented. Unlike court proceedings, these hearings take place in secret and the defendant does not have the right to present evidence unless the jury grants this right (Peabody, 2014). After all the facts have been examined and the evidence has been deemed sufficient, the next step is to take the accused to trial. The Trial Once the defendant has gone through the initial stages, he or she is given a trial date. During the trial, the prosecution presents all the evidence in the case and must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant is guilty of the crime he is accused of (Trial, 2017). Once the guilt or innocence of the defendant is determined, he or she will be charged with the crime and sentenced. If the jury is unable to reach a verdict, there may be a mistrial declared by the judge and the case will be dismissed.