Criminal case flow is among the most confusing items for those new to the judicial system. From the arrest to the time they have “their day in court,” there are many confusing and soul-searching events for the family. While the system always seems to run slower than we would like, it does flow through a very formal process.
The Marshall Project publishes an excellent overview of the major steps in the criminal arraignment process, from the initial criminal complaint to the trial. This is a simplified sequence, so not every possible twist and turn is identified, but it has the major milestones as a case moves along.