ABA Family Legal Guide

Criminal Justice

Court Procedures

Tom was buying a newspaper one morning when two men with guns came into the store. They emptied the cash register, and then held Tom and another customer at gunpoint while they took their wallets. Later, Tom gave his name and address to the police. The police were able to arrest two suspects, and the store clerk was able to identify them.

Months later, Tom received a subpoena to appear in court as a witness. He still felt traumatized by the incident and didn't want to get involved. He was also nervous about having to go to court. He wanted to know whether he could get out of it somehow. Surely he couldn't be compelled to appear as a witness against his will?

Going to court can be intimidating, whether you're a suspect, a witness, or a victim. But one day you may be forced to get involved. In this section you'll learn how the system works and what to expect, just in case.

Subsections

1. Initial Criminal Court Proceedings
2. Evidence in Criminal Cases
3. Witnesses
4. Defenses Against Criminal Charges
5. Pretrial Procedures
6. Trial
7. Sentencing of Convicted Criminals
8. Appeals of Criminal Cases