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| Criminal Law
What is criminal law?
The criminal justice system covers all situations when a person 16 years old or older is arrested because a police officer has reason to believe that he or she committed a crime. (In New York State, a person under the age of 16 may be involved in the criminal justice system if he or she suspected of committing a very serious crime, like murder, armed robbery, or arson.)
If a police officer has reason to believe a person has committed a crime, and that person is under 16, that case is covered by the family court system.
For more information about the criminal justice system, visit the Criminal Justice System Handbook developed by the New York State Court System. The handbook is NOT a substitute for legal advice, but it covers important topics like:
- How a case begins
- Central booking
- Criminal court arraignment
- Plea bargaining
- What happens after a criminal court arraignment?
- The grand jury
- Pre-trial motions
- The trial
- Post-trial motions
- Sentencing
- Appeals
Other important information about criminal law in New York State:
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