how to explain reasonable doubt to a jury prosecutor

If the suspect is already in custody, the review process will be handled in an expedited manner. The delay between the crime date and the defendant's arrest on an authorized charge can take any length of time (e.g., if the defendant's whereabouts are unknown, or if the defendant has left the State of Michigan). Suspect Arrested (if not already in custody) If the reviewing Prosecutor believes the case is sufficiently strong, one or more charges will be authorized. But, most reviewing Prosecutors apply a higher standard, whether the charge can be proved beyond a reasonable doubt at trial with the information known at that time. The Prosecutor can issue a charge if he or she reasonably believes that probable cause exists that the suspect committed the offense. Occasionally, the reviewing Prosecutor sends the case back to the police to conduct additional investigation The Prosecutor also reviews the suspect's prior criminal or traffic record. The Prosecutor must thoroughly review all reports and records concerning the case, including witness statements. At this stage, the Prosecutor determines whether a person should be charged with a crime and, if so, what the crime should be. This is generally the first time that the Prosecuting Attorney's office is involved in a case, unless a prosecutor reviewed a search warrant or visited the crime scene. Warrant/Charging Request Reviewed by Prosecuting Attorney The officer will later submit a charging/warrant request to the Prosecuting Attorney, suggesting potential charges to be authorized.

When the investigating officer has probable cause to believe that one or more misdemeanors or felonies were committed – or if a crime is committed in a police officer's presence - the officer may arrest a suspect on the spot without an arrest warrant.

Police Make an Arrest (or Request a Warrant) Some investigations are conducted by responding officers while others are referred to detectives. Investigation may include interviewing the victim(s), witnesses and suspect(s), collecting physical evidence, photographing and measuring the crime scene, obtaining records, and so forth. For the definition of a unfamiliar term, please go to the Legal Glossary section.Ĭrime Committed / Police Notified and Investigate Specific procedures may be modified by local courts or judges. The following summary will explain how a case generally progresses through Michigan's criminal justice system.

What happens during a criminal case can be confusing to people not familiar with the scheme of criminal justice.

How to explain reasonable doubt to a jury prosecutor