First, the police will investigate. They may contact you, show up at your home or job, or  obtain a search warrant. 

 

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 If the police establish probable cause of the commission of a crime they will arrest you.

 Alternatively, you may be indicted by a grand jury if probable cause is established. 

 

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 After arrest, you will usually appear before a judge or magistrate within 24-48 hours of  the arrest. This is usually called the initial appearance or arraignment. NOTE: If you're  held for more than 48 hours without an initial appearance, the 4th amendment  generally requires a judicial finding of probable cause.

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 If you were not indicted by a grand jury, the next court appearance may be a  preliminary hearing depending on the circumstances of the case. 

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 Next, the state and I will "hash" things out and try to reach an agreement. This  is where the "lawyering" takes place. If the police or prosecution made an error in your  case, I will find it.

 

 

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 If you are not 100% satisfied with the outcome, the case may be taken to trial.