Arizona’s criminal justice system, like that of other states, is built upon a foundation of ensuring fair trial and due process for all its citizens. When it comes to serious crimes classified as felonies, a precise procedure is observed to ensure that the rights of both the accused and the victim are maintained. Let’s walk through the general criminal felony process in Arizona, beginning with the charge and progressing to the arraignment and subsequent steps.

1. Initial Charge
   • Arrest: In most cases, the felony process starts when law enforcement arrests an individual based on probable cause. This means there are reasonable grounds, based on hard evidence, to believe the individual committed the felony.
     Police Report: After the arrest, the officer will submit a report to the prosecutor’s office for review.

   Initial Appearance

   • Upon being arrested, the accused, now termed a defendant, will be brought before a judicial officer within 24 hours for their initial appearance. Here, the defendant is informed of the charges, their rights, and bail is determined if applicable.

   Preliminary Hearing or Grand Jury

   • Preliminary Hearing: This is an initial hearing where the judge determines whether there’s enough evidence for the case to proceed. It’s an opportunity for the defense to contest the sufficiency of the evidence.
   • Grand Jury: Alternatively, the prosecutor might take the case to a grand jury, which is a panel of citizens who review evidence to decide if there is enough to bring formal charges. If they decide there is, they’ll issue an indictment.

   Indictment

   • If the grand jury believes there’s enough evidence, they’ll issue an indictment. This is a formal charge or accusation that initiates the criminal case.

   Arraignment

   • Post-indictment, the defendant is summoned to court for an arraignment. Here, they are formally charged and asked to enter a plea: guilty, not guilty, or no contest.

   Pre-Trial Procedures

   • After the arraignment, several pre-trial procedures take place. Both the prosecution and defense will gather evidence, interview witnesses, and potentially engage in plea negotiations. Discovery, which is the process where both sides exchange information, is a crucial part of this phase.

   Trial

   • If no plea agreement is reached, the case proceeds to trial. In Arizona, the defendant has the right to a jury trial for felonies. Both the prosecution and defense present their cases, witnesses are called and cross-examined, and evidence is presented.

   Verdict

   • After all evidence is presented and closing arguments are made, the jury will deliberate and reach a verdict. If the defendant is found not guilty, they are released, and the charges are dismissed. If found guilty, the case moves to sentencing.

   Sentencing

   • Sentencing occurs either immediately after a guilty plea or verdict or at a later scheduled hearing. The judge will consider various factors including the crime’s severity, the defendant’s past criminal record, and any mitigating or aggravating circumstances.

   Appeal

   • If the defendant believes there was a legal error made during the trial, they can appeal the decision. This request is made to a higher court to review and potentially overturn the lower court’s decision.

The felony process in Arizona is intricate, ensuring a balance between the state’s responsibility to protect its citizens and the defendant’s constitutional rights. While this provides a general overview, each case can have unique circumstances, and anyone facing charges should seek legal counsel to navigate the complexities of the system.