What happens when a law enforcement agency files a case with the Criminal District Attorney’s Office?

Felony: If the case is charged as a felony, a felony prosecutor will review the case to determine if it should be accepted for prosecution. If the case is accepted, it will be presented to a grand jury for consideration. A witness may be required to testify before the grand jury. The grand jury will either return an indictment against the defendant or no-bill the case. If the case is indicted, the prosecution proceeds until there is a resolution of the case. A no-bill means there is not sufficient probable cause to move the case forward.

Misdemeanor: If the case is charged as a misdemeanor, the case is filed in a County Court at Law or Justice of the Peace Court. The prosecution proceeds until there is a resolution of the case.

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1. What is a district attorney’s office?
2. How do I report a crime?
3. What happens when a law enforcement agency files a case with the Criminal District Attorney’s Office?
4. What is a grand jury and what does it do?
5. What is a plea bargain and how does the process work?
6. How can charges be dropped in a criminal case?
7. Can a witness refuse to testify?
8. When a case goes to trial, who determines if the defendant is guilty or innocent?
9. The defendant has been found guilty, now what?
10. Once the defendant’s punishment had been decided, is that the end of the case?
11. Are all cases argued before the appellate court?
12. If the defendant’s conviction is affirmed, may he seek other relief?