A criminal case in Arizona follows a structured series of steps designed to ensure that accusations are reviewed fairly and that constitutional rights are protected. While every situation is different, the overall progression of a case is consistent statewide. Understanding these stages can help individuals see how the system works from beginning to end.
A criminal case usually starts with an arrest or the filing of a formal complaint. An arrest may occur immediately after an incident, during a traffic stop, or after an investigation concludes. In other situations, especially those involving non-violent allegations, a prosecutor may initiate the case by filing a complaint without an arrest taking place first.
In either scenario, the start of the case is based on the requirement that there is probable cause to believe a crime occurred. This is the foundational legal standard that allows the case to move forward.
Arizona law requires that anyone who is arrested appear before a judge within twenty-four hours. During this hearing, known as the initial appearance, the judge informs the individual of the allegations, reviews whether probable cause exists, and sets the conditions under which the person will remain in custody or be released. This step ensures that the case begins under judicial oversight and that all procedural rules are followed from the very beginning.
After the initial appearance, a prosecutor examines the available evidence to decide how to proceed. Charges may be filed through a criminal complaint, a grand jury indictment, or a document called an information. The filing of charges officially establishes the specific allegations the state intends to pursue. This stage clarifies the legal basis for the case and outlines the accusations that will be addressed in court.
Once charges are formally filed, the case moves to an arraignment. During this hearing, the court reads the charges, explains the individual’s rights within the legal process, and asks for a plea. The arraignment marks the transition from the start of the case into the main phases of the court process and sets the schedule for upcoming hearings.
Discovery is the exchange of information and evidence. Arizona rules require prosecutors to provide materials such as police reports, recordings, video footage, photographs, test results, and witness statements. This process gives both sides access to the information that will be used throughout the case.
Discovery can take time depending on how much material exists and whether additional evidence is being collected. As new information becomes available, it is added to the case file so that the evidence remains updated.
After discovery begins, the court typically holds several pretrial hearings. These hearings allow the court to monitor the progress of the case, address legal or procedural questions, and ensure that deadlines are being met. During this period, the case may move forward steadily, or additional hearings may be scheduled depending on the complexity of the evidence and the number of issues that need to be addressed.
These pretrial stages make up a significant portion of the overall criminal process, and the timeline varies from case to case.
Many criminal cases conclude before reaching trial. A case may end when prosecutors decide not to proceed based on available evidence, when legal issues affect the ability to move forward, or when the parties reach a resolution. These outcomes depend entirely on the circumstances of each case, and not all options apply to every situation.
This stage exists to provide opportunities for cases to conclude when appropriate under Arizona law.
Cases that do not resolve during earlier stages move forward to trial. Trials in Arizona follow a structured process that includes the selection of a jury, the presentation of evidence, the examination of witnesses, and the arguments of both sides. After the evidence is presented, the jury reviews everything and reaches a verdict based on the legal standard of proof.
A trial can last a short time or extend over several days, depending on the number of witnesses, the complexity of the evidence, and the nature of the allegations.
If a case reaches a point where sentencing is required, the court schedules a separate hearing. At this stage, the judge reviews information relevant to the case, considers Arizona’s sentencing laws, and imposes a sentence. Sentencing guidelines vary depending on the type of offense, prior history, and statutory requirements.
After sentencing, Arizona law offers avenues for additional review through appeals or other post-conviction procedures. These processes exist to ensure that convictions comply with legal standards and that any claims involving error or new information can be evaluated. Each type of post-conviction relief follows its own rules and timelines separate from the original court process.
The criminal justice system can feel complicated, but each stage serves a defined purpose. Knowing how a case progresses from arrest to resolution provides context, reduces confusion, and helps individuals understand the sequence of events they may encounter. Although every case is unique, the overall structure of Arizona’s criminal procedure remains consistent and predictable.
