Includes index.

Includes bibliographical references and index.

Talking to the police -- Search and seizure -- Arrest : when it happens, what it means -- Eyewitness identification : psychology and procedures -- Booking and bail : checking in and out of jail -- From suspect to defendant -- Criminal defense lawyers -- Understanding the attorney-client relationship in a criminal case -- A walk through criminal court -- Arraignments -- Developing the defense strategy -- Crimespeak : understanding the language of criminal laws -- Defensespeak : common defenses to criminal charges -- Discovery : exchanging information with the prosecution -- Investigating the facts -- Preliminary hearings -- Fundamental trial rights of the defense -- Basic evidence rules in criminal trials -- Motions and their role in criminal cases -- Plea bargains : how most criminal cases end -- The trial process -- Sentencing -- Appeals -- How the criminal justice system works -- Juvenile courts and procedures -- Prisoners' rules -- Looking up the law.

Answers questions about the criminal court system, discussing the roles of lawyers, police, and judges, and covering such topics as bail, preliminary hearings, evidence, lineups, and sentencing.