The typical steps in a criminal proceeding in Florida vary depending on the type of crime and the severity of the offense. Generally, however, most criminal proceedings follow a similar pattern.
The first step is typically an arrest by law enforcement officers. After the arrest, the accused will be taken to jail and booked into custody. They will then be brought before a judge for an arraignment hearing where they are formally charged with a crime and advised of their rights.
After the arraignment hearing, there may be several pre-trial motions and hearings that take place before trial. These can include motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges, as well as plea bargain negotiations between prosecutors and defense attorneys. If these are not successful, the case will proceed to trial where witnesses are called to testify and evidence is presented. The jury (or judge if it’s a bench trial) will then render a verdict of guilty or not guilty. If found guilty, sentencing will take place at a later date.