Criminal Process

Criminal

Felony

The Chisago County Attorney prosecutes felony crimes (crimes which carry a maximum penalty of more than 1 year in prison) which occur within Chisago County. Examples of these crimes include:

• Child abuse
• Drug offenses
• Murder
• Serious property offenses
• Sexual assault

Misdemeanors & Gross Misdemeanors

The County Attorney also prosecutes misdemeanors and gross misdemeanors (crimes which carry a maximum penalty of less than 1 year). Prosecution may involve:

• Filing criminal complaints
• Making sentencing recommendations
• Presenting cases before a grand jury
• Representing the state in court hearings and trial
• Reviewing the investigation of law enforcement officers

The Criminal Process

When charges are filed against an individual who allegedly committed a crime, a Complaint or Citation is filed with the court. The Complaint contains a brief statement of the facts and sets forth the crimes the defendant has committed based on those facts. Depending upon the charge, the defendant will follow 1 of 2 basic paths in proceeding through the criminal justice system.

Criminal Process Brochure (PDF)