Respuesta :

In the case outlines that follow, each party is represented by an attorney. But this often is not the case, especially in limited jurisdiction courts. People may represent themselves in court without an attorney as long as they follow court rules. They often are called pro per, pro se, or self-represented litigants. 

While this guide is intended to give a general overview of the Arizona court system and its
 procedures, not all cases proceed as outlined here. 

Limited jurisdiction courts usually process criminal cases as follows:
     1. Initial Appearance – This is the defendant’s first appearance in court, and the defendant is advised of the charges. The judge appoints an attorney if the defendant cannot afford one.
     2. Arraignment – The defendant appears in court to enter a plea of guilty or not guilty. Many limited jurisdiction courts combine the initial appearance and the arraignment.
     3. Trial – If the defendant pleads not guilty, a trial is held. The judge—or at the defendant’s request, a jury—can hear evidence on the charges and find the defendant guilty or not guilty. 
     4. Sentencing – If the defendant is found guilty, the court imposes the appropriate punishment (sentence). 
     5. Appeals – Appeals from decisions of limited jurisdiction courts go to superior court. An appeal may be heard as a new trial (a trial de novo), or the superior court judge may review records of trial proceedings if records have been kept. Decisions made in small claims court cannot be appealed,
PraySlayConquerdaDay

Step 1: Arraignment

The first step in a criminal case is a court appearance called an arraignment, in which the charges against the defendant are read before a judge. At an arraignment, a lawyer is appointed if the defendant cannot afford one, and the defendant's plea (guilty, not guilty, no contest) is entered. Bail may also be set at the arraignment.

Step 2: Preliminary Hearing

The arraignment is followed by a preliminary hearing, in which a prosecutor presents evidence to a judge in an attempt to show that there is strong suspicion that a person committed a crime. If the judge is convinced that a strong suspicion exists, the defendant is 'held to answer,' and the prosecution proceeds to the trial court level. If the judge does not agree that the prosecution has demonstrated 'strong suspicion,' the charges are dropped.

Step 3: 2nd Arraignment (Superior Court)

Fourteen days after the defendant is 'held to answer,' he is arraigned in the trial level court of the Superior court. This hearing is the same procedure is the first arraignment.

Step 4: Pretrial Hearing & Motions

A motion is a request asking a judge to issue a ruling order on a legal matter. The pretrial is a hearing to resolve outstanding issues and it is often an appropriate time to attempt to settle or 'plea bargain' the case.

Step 5: Jury Trial

Both the prosecution and defense present evidence and call witnesses, in front of a judge and a twelve-member jury. The jury will examine the evidence and return a verdict. The judge will interpret the verdict for sentencing, according to state law.

Otras preguntas