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A crime is which one breaks the law, meaning an individual or a group partakes in an event to do something wrong and one is accused in which a crime was committed. A crime (1981-2005), according to The Free Dictionary is defined as “A violation of a law in which there is injury to the public or a member of the public and a term in Jail or prison, and/or a fine as possible penalties.
There is some sentiment for excluding from the “crime” category crimes without victims, such as consensual acts, or locations in which only the perpetrator is hurt or involved such as personal use of illegal drugs. ” The laws are structured in such to protect Americans against harm or harm’s way in the event of various crimes and to protect one’s property, animals, people, rights, etc… Against one’s violence. Laws are structured to maintain order in the United States; it would be chaotic without them.
Regardless, of an individual’s relationship to one’s career or statute, when a crime is committed the law has standards and is structured in which the accused is to be punished or released. The police, courts, and corrections are three components that make up the criminal justice system. Within the criminal Justice system, there is a process which takes place. “Whether part of a system or a non-system, the agencies of criminal Justice must process the cases that come before them” (Schmeltzer, 2009, p. 14).
The process begins with an investigation of the crime that took place and leads to an arrest where the person is taken into custody with his or her rights read. The suspect is booked which includes fingerprinting, pictures, belongings taken, searched, and personal information which is recorded. The suspect must wait in custody until his or her first appearance from a Judicial officer, which will inform them of his/her charges, rights, sentencing, and bail if applicable. Suspects who committed a serious crime or they aren’t able to meet the financial demands wait in custody for a preliminary hearing.