PEOPLE INVOLVED IN A CRIMINAL CASE

• Criminal proceedings are initiated by the police and the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) prepares the case to be brought to a Magistrates' court or the Crown court
• Almost all criminal cases start in the Magistrates' court but depending on the nature and seriousness of the offence, the case may be passed to the Crown court to be tried before a jury and judge
• The accused has the chance to defend the case brought against him by supplying evidence to the court to challenge evidence put forward by the prosecution
• If the defendant is found guilty, a punishment will be imposed by the court