*Note* Chart is a simplification of the actual process. An advocate from the Prosecutor’s Office can more fully explain the process.
| Referral reaches the office from law enforcement
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Deputy prosecutor and advocate are assigned to the case
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An initial interview is scheduled with the victim
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A decision is made to either charge the suspect or decline to charge ↓ ↓ |
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| If charges are filed, this office continues legal actions ↓ |
If the case is declined, this office takes no further criminal actions
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Arraignment:
↓ |
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Other pre-trial hearings may happen, including:
↓ |
(Charges may be dismissed during prosecution process) → |
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| Plea negotiations
↓ ↓ |
→ | OR | Defense interview
↓ |
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| Guilty Plea | Not-Guilty Plea: Trial ↓ ↓ |
← | ↓ | ||
| Guilty Verdict
↓ |
OR | Acquittal
→ |
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| Pre-sentence investigation
↓ |
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| Sentencing Hearing
↓ |
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| Department of Corrections
↓ |