In criminal cases, the government charges a person for doing wrong. The Public Prosecutor’s Office runs this process to find the truth. People often call the prosecutor “OM,” who acts for the public. The prosecutor stands for society and decides what to do next. Criminal cases usually begin when police get a complaint or report. Later, a personal injury lawyer may help victims get compensation.
How the Law Sees Crimes
Different crimes are written under many laws, like the Penal Code. Other laws include the Weapons Act, Road Act, and the Opium Act. The law says no one can be punished without a clear law. This is called the legality rule—no law means no punishment. Crimes are grouped into two types: small ones and serious ones. Serious crimes are called felonies, like murder or big robbery. Smaller crimes, like stealing, are called misdemeanors or minor crimes.
Very small crimes include graffiti, loud behavior, or public drinking. Knowing the crime type helps in deciding what steps to follow. A personal injury lawyer may help victims claim money in civil court.
Police Work and Prosecutor Review
Police start looking into the case after someone makes a report. They gather facts and proof and try to find the suspect. Police work under the direction of the public prosecutor. All information goes into a police report with full details. The police give the report to the prosecutor for review. The prosecutor reads the report and decides what to do next. They use a rule called expediency to decide if charges go ahead.
Summons and Court Hearing Notice
If the prosecutor wants to go forward, they send a summons. The summons tells what the person is charged with in the case. It also lists the court’s name, the date, place, and time. The accused gets the summons and can decide to attend or not. The law says a person does not have to help accuse themselves. This is called the nemo tenetur rule in criminal law.
What Happens in Court
In court, the judge may ask the accused some questions. The person can also stay quiet and not say anything. They do not need to help prove they are guilty at all. Then the prosecutor talks about the crime and gives proof. The prosecutor then asks the judge for a punishment. After that, the accused’s lawyer gets time to speak. The lawyer tries to show that the prosecutor is not correct. This is like how a family law attorney argues strongly for their client’s rights in family-related cases. The accused can also talk to the court if they want.
Judge’s Final Decision
The judge checks if there is enough proof of the crime. If the proof is good, the judge gives a punishment. If the proof is weak, the judge can free the person. Freeing the person is called an acquittal by the court. If the person was acting in self-defense or is ill, the judge may stop the case without giving a punishment. In some cases, care or TBS treatment may still be given. If guilty, the judge may give jail, a fine, or community service.
The person may also have to pay money to the victim. A personal injury lawyer helps victims ask for that money. The court’s goal is to stop crime and protect everyone.
Why Punishment Is Given
Punishment makes sure people are not allowed to break the law. It helps victims and society feel that justice is done. Punishment also makes the criminal feel sorry for their crime. It helps stop the same person from committing a crime again. Others also see this and are scared to do wrong things. Punishment keeps dangerous people away from others for some time. In some cases, a family law attorney may also be involved if the crime affects family rights, custody, or child safety.
Final Thoughts
Criminal cases follow rules to protect all people involved fairly. Every step, from police to court, must follow these legal rules. Laws like legality, nemo tenetur, and expediency help guide the process. Cases may end with jail, no punishment, or just case dismissal. A personal injury lawyer may help victims get payment after a court case.
A family law attorney may help with child care or custody matters. Lawyers help people understand and handle their legal situation better. Knowing the rules and your rights helps everyone stay safe and fair.
