• Intake deputy reviews the case and the history of the defendant
• He/she decides whether or not to file the case, what charges to file, and whether or not the charges will be misdemeanor or felony

• Charges are read
• Judge asks if the defendant can afford an attorney (if not, one is appointed)
• Bail review

• Usually takes more than one court hearing
• Victim does not have to attend, but may if he/she chooses
• If case does not settle, a preliminary hearing is set (only in felony cases)

Preliminary Hearing - Felony Cases Only - (hearing held to present evidence regarding the case)

• Case is presented in a court other than Department 60
• Victim usually testifies
• Victim will have been ordered to court by a judge, or have received a subpoena from the District Attorney's Office
• Officers who took the report, or witnessed the incident will also testify
• A subpoena is a written order requiring the victim/witness to come to court
• The subpoena will have the date, time, and place he/she needs to appear
• If subpoenaed person does not come to court, a warrant may be issued for his/her arrest
• Judge will hear the evidence and decide if there is enough to set a jury trial
• If there is sufficient evidence, a trial date will be set

Jury Trial (case is presented in front of a jury)

• Case is presented in a court other than Department 60
• A jury is a group of 12 people, there may be alternate jurors selected
• Jury decides if the defendant is guilty or not guilty
• Victim usually testifies
• Victim will have been ordered by a judge to appear or have received a subpoena
• Officers who took the report or witnessed the incident also testify
• Other witnesses including family or neighbors may testify
• If the jury finds the defendant guilty, the case will be sent to probation for a sentencing report, unless waived by the defendant

• Victim has the right to make a victim impact statement to include:

  • What happened (the incident)
  • The impact the crime has had on the victim's life
  • What the victim would like to see happen