Includes index.

Includes bibliographical references and index.

Introduction: A walk-through of the case of State v. Andrea Davidson, a fictional robbery prosecution -- Talking to the police -- Search and seizure -- Arrest: When it happens, what it means -- Eyewitness identification: Psychology and procedures -- Booking and bail: Checking in and out of jail -- From suspect to defendant -- Criminal defense lawyers -- Understanding the attorney-client relationship in a criminal case -- A walk through criminal court -- Arraignment -- Developing the defense strategy -- Crimespeak: Understanding the language of criminal laws -- Defensespeak: Common defenses to criminal charges -- Discovery: Exchanging information with the prosecution -- Investigating the facts -- Preliminary hearings -- Fundamental trial rights of the defense -- Basic evidence rules in criminal trials -- Motions and their role in criminal cases -- Plea bargains: How most criminal cases end -- The trial process -- Sentencing -- Appeals -- Victims and victims' rights -- The system at work: DUI laws and processes -- Juvenile courts and procedures -- Prisoners' rules.

This book explains how the system works, why police, lawyers, and judges do what they do, and -- most important -- the options for suspects, defendants, and victims. It also provides critical information on working with a lawyer.

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