Being arrested for a felony is only the beginning of the criminal justice process. For most people, the legal system is confusing and intimidating. Here is a simplified explanation of what generally happens after a felony arrest. The Initial Appearance After an arrest, the accused is brought before a judge as soon as reasonably possible for an initial appearance. Three important issues are addressed. First, the judge advises the accused of important constitutional rights, including the right to remain silent. Second, the court determines whether the accused already has an attorney. If the defendant cannot afford one, the court appoints an attorney to provide legal representation. Third, the judge determines whether the accused will be released before trial. Depending upon the circumstances, the judge may release the defendant on his or her own recognizance, set bail, impose release conditions, or order that the defendant remain in custody.  Additionally, electronic monitoring ...

  USA— Let me begin this story by telling you that our criminal justice system, and our correctional system is a total, dysfunctional disgrace.   We put people away based on the nebulous term, reasonable doubt. I don’t care who tries to define the term it comes out differently for everybody.   We have to face it that innocent people are convicted every day for a multitude of reasons, including corrupt police investigations. Most people put in prison are there based on their own words.  These for the most part are dangerous and psychotic people that must stay in cages.  Our prisons are cruel places, particularly for the innocent. The clash of race and cultural diversity very often ends in extortion, robbery, rape and of course murder.  Prison guards cannot simply police incorrigible inmates. Many prisons let the inmates run the asylum and I say that seriously.  It’s much easier for the politicly appointed prison staffers to leave their work to the inm...