How does a prosecutor bring charges against a defendant?
To bring charges against a defendant, a prosecutor reviews the evidence collected during an investigation. Based on the evidence, they decide on the appropriate charges to file. The prosecutor prepares a formal document, such as a criminal complaint or information, outlining the allegations against the defendant. This document is presented to the court, and the defendant is informed of the charges during their arraignment. The case then proceeds through various stages, including pre-trial motions, plea negotiations, and potentially a trial.