NEW YORK — (NEW YORK) -- Criminal prosecution proceedings typically start with an arrest and a court appearance, but legal experts say that on many occasions, especially in white collar crimes, suspects aren't hit with charges or a visit from an officer until long after an official investigation is underway.
Typically, if a crime is being investigated, law enforcement agents will make an arrest, file initial charges and bring a suspect to be arraigned in court, Vincent Southerland, an assistant professor of clinical law and the director of the criminal defense and reentry clinic at NYU School of Law, told ABC News.
Southerland said in most criminal cases,"prosecutors and investigators have more than enough evidence or a case to bring that indictment in quickly."However, Southerland noted that prosecutors can start with the criminal indictment process in the beginning, especially if their case needs more evidence to press those charges.
A Manhattan grand jury is currently investigating Trump's possible role in the hush payment to adult film actress Stormy Daniels. The former president has denied any wrongdoing and having an affair with Daniels. His attorneys have framed the funds as a response to an extortion plot. Two weeks ago, the Manhattan DA's office informed Trump of his right to testify before the grand jury in the probe, according to sources.
Southerland said another advantage that prosecutors have when it comes to indicting a suspect first before charging them is the secrecy and confidentiality of the grand jury. He noted, however, that in Trump's pending case, media attention and witness statements have brought the case into the public eye.Burden of proof
Singapore Latest News, Singapore Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Trump ally Robert Costello to appear before New York City grand jury eyeing chargesRobert Costello was asked to appear by the Manhattan district attorney's office after he said he had information raising questions about the credibility of Michael Cohen, a key witness in the investigation.
Read more »
Trump ally Robert Costello to appear before New York City grand jury eyeing chargesRobert Costello was asked to appear by the Manhattan district attorney's office after he said he had information raising questions about the credibility of Michael Cohen, a key witness in the investigation.
Read more »
Trump ally Robert Costello to appear before New York City grand jury eyeing chargesRobert Costello was asked to appear by the Manhattan district attorney's office after he said he had information raising questions about the credibility of Michael Cohen, a key witness in the investigation.
Read more »
Trump ally Robert Costello to appear before New York City grand jury eyeing chargesRobert Costello was asked to appear by the Manhattan district attorney's office after he said he had information raising questions about the credibility of Michael Cohen, a key witness in the investigation.
Read more »
Trump ally Robert Costello to appear before New York City grand jury eyeing chargesRobert Costello was asked to appear by the Manhattan district attorney's office after he said he had information raising questions about the credibility of Michael Cohen, a key witness in the investigation.
Read more »