Case Disposal Process

In-Game Maximum Jail Time: 1250 Seconds

The actual calculated time may be higher.

If a sentence is calculated to be equal to or greater than 2000 seconds, then the character is considered incarcerated for life (the character cannot be used - permanently). This should be indicated in the arrest with a note stating, "Life Sentence."

Issuing Charges

Infractions

In legal terms, an infraction is a minor violation of a law, rule, or ordinance that is typically punishable by a fine rather than jail time. Infractions are considered the least serious type of offense, falling below misdemeanors and felonies in severity.

Suspect is detained -> Suspect is issued a citation. -> Suspect is released.

Misdemeanor Cite & Release

A cite and release misdemeanor is a type of misdemeanor offense where a law enforcement officer issues a citation instead of making a physical arrest. The person cited is required to appear in court at a later date but is not taken into custody at the time of the offense. This process is intended to reduce unnecessary detentions for low-level offenses while ensuring the individual remains accountable to the legal system. For the purposes of this Crimes Code this is indicated by the charge being listed as 0 (zero) Seconds sentencing time. Additionally, charges listed between 1-10 Seconds sentencing time may be cite and release at the officer's discretion.

Suspect is detained. -> Suspect is mirandized. -> Suspect is transported to a station for biometric processing (Fingerprints/Photos). -> Suspect is issued a misdemeanor criminal citation which qualifies as a "cite and release" arrest. These are filed as arrests. -> Suspect is released from the station.

Misdemeanor / Felony Arrests

Suspect is detained. -> Suspect is mirandized and placed under arrest // suspect is transported to jail (order of events varies). -> Depending on the plea of the suspect, see below.

For Prosecutors: Criminal Complaint Charges

In rare circumstances, a prosecutor may file a criminal complaint to indict a suspect without physically arresting the suspect; though the document must still be served and may warrant an arrest or booking process circumstantially (including the possibility of a self-surrender arrest/booking followed by immediate release pending trial).

Pleading & Disposal

If the suspect pleads guilty:

Plea Immediate Guilt / No Contest: Full sentencing shall begin immediately without delay.

Plea Deal Negotiation: A suspect may negotiate a guilty plea with law enforcement/prosecution in exchange for a lesser sentence, lower/lessened charges, and/or to avoid a trial.

If the suspect pleads not guilty:

The suspect will be sent to serve their sentence. The suspect shall submit a request for a trial.

After the suspect is released from their sentence and before their upcoming trial: The suspect is free.

Alternatively, in rare circumstances, an enforcement agency may choose to file a criminal complaint without incarcerating the suspect.

If the suspect is found guilty in court but has already served an equal amount of time, or greater, to that which they are sentenced to, then they will be released because of their "time served."

If the suspect is found guilty in court and has only served less time than the amount they are being sentenced to, then they will be remanded to custody for the remainder of their sentence.

Capital Punishment

This grants the Justice Department the authority to execute a person convicted of multiple prior felony charges involving murder(s), while presently being charged with additional felony murder(s), to be given “Capital Punishment.”

Previous convictions of murder may be used as a part of the justification for “Capital Punishment” but they are not to be retried during a new trial for new murder charges related to a request for “Capital Punishment.” Execution: To be carried out by bailiffs shortly after the sentencing and done by no less than three bailiffs, using rifles in a standing line formation. All rifles shall fire at the same time into the individual until such individual is found to be “deceased,” thus completing the process.

This will result in a permanent character death by server rule.

Statute of Limitations

Statute of Limitations to Contest Charges: In order to file a charge contest, effectively claiming not-guilty status for a given offence, a request must be submitted within 14 days of charges being filed, else the disposition is considered guilty for the given offence.

Statute of Limitations to File Charges: The Statute of Limitations provides a legal time limit to file a lawsuit or charge from the date the offence is alleged to have occurred. Charges, including offences punishable by fines or prison time, as well as civil cases, must be submitted within 30 days.

No limit felony exceptions to Statute of Limitations: Terrorism, Treason, Espionage, Murder (of any type), Forgery, Counterfeiting, Fraud (or Conspiracy), Embezzlement, Graft, Robbery, Aggravated Battery, Battery, Trafficking, Smuggling, Kidnapping, Extortion, Corruption, Racketeering (and it's involved sub-offences only when presented alongside a racketeering charge).