AJ 025 Chapter Notes - Chapter 1: United States Federal Sentencing Guidelines, Sentencing Reform Act, Formal Charge

• School: College of The Sequoias
• Department: Administration of Justice (AJ)
• Course: AJ 025
• Professor: shirk

Document Summary

Criminal process: arrest: warrant for arrest can only be issued if there is probable cause that suspect committed crime. Indictment: a formal charge by a grand jury that there is probable cause to believe that a named person has committed a crime. Grand jury: a group of citizens who decide, after hearing the state"s evidence, whether a reasonable basis (probable cause) exists for believing that a crime has been committed and that a trial ought to be held. Usually used in cases involving serious crimes (murder) Does not determine the guilt or innocence of an accused party. Function is to hear the state"s evidence and to determine if probable cause exists and if trial should be held. Information: a formal accusation or complaint (without indictment) issued in certain types of actions (usually criminal actions involving lesser crimes) by a government prosecutor. How individuals are charged for lesser crimes. Issued by a government prosecutor if determined that there is sufficient evidence.