The Department of Justice uses standardized procedures for handling both criminal and civil cases in San Andreas. This page provides citizens, attorneys, law-enforcement officers, and government officials with a simplified overview of how cases generally move through the court system.

---

​

Criminal Procedure

Criminal cases generally begin when charges are filed by law enforcement and the defendant chooses to challenge those charges through the court system.

​

Step 1 — Review the Charges

If you believe criminal charges against your character are incorrect, unsupported, or worth challenging:

1. Speak with an attorney.
2. Review the charges and available evidence.
3. Contact or work with the law-enforcement department involved when appropriate.

If your attorney believes the case should be formally challenged, they may petition the Department of Justice for a: Bench Trial Demand

---

​

Step 2 — Bench Trial Demand

A bench trial is a trial decided by a Judge rather than a jury. Once a Bench Trial Demand is submitted, a Judge may:

• Accept the demand
• Deny the demand
• Request additional information
• Request additional filings

---

​

Step 3 — Docketing & Service

If the case is accepted, it is added to the court docket. Formal service of process is then completed using approved government email systems or another DOJ-authorized method. Service ensures the involved parties have been formally notified of:

• The case
• Required filings
• Applicable deadlines
• Upcoming legal proceedings

---

​

Step 4 — Defense Response

Once the case has been accepted and properly served, the defense may respond. This may include:

• Written responses
• Motions
• Legal arguments
• Supporting evidence
• Witness information
• Other filings permitted by the court

The defense is responsible for following applicable filing deadlines and court procedures.

---

​

Criminal Discovery

Before trial, both sides must have a reasonable opportunity to review the evidence that will be used in the case. This process is known as discovery.

​

Prosecution Disclosure

The prosecution must file the evidence and witnesses it intends to rely upon at trial. This may include:

• Reports
• Photographs
• Video recordings
• Physical evidence
• Witness statements
• Expert testimony
• Other relevant material

---

​

Public & Sealed Evidence

Court filings are generally considered public record unless the court authorizes them to be sealed. Sealed evidence may be used when certain information should not be available to the general public. However: Sealed does not automatically mean hidden from the defense. Sealed material must still be provided to the defendant’s attorney when required by DOJ procedure.

​

Pro Se Defendants

A pro se defendant is a person representing themselves without an attorney. Under this procedure, sealed evidence is not provided directly to a pro se defendant.

---

​

Criminal Trial

Once discovery and applicable pre-trial matters are complete, the case may proceed to trial. A criminal trial may include:

• Opening arguments
• Witness testimony
• Direct examination
• Cross-examination
• Presentation of evidence
• Legal arguments
• Motions
• Closing arguments

The Judge controls the courtroom and determines how the proceeding moves forward.

---

​

Witness Impact Statements

When appropriate, a witness impact statement may be provided before the court reaches its final decision. Impact statements allow relevant individuals to explain how the incident or offense affected them.

---

​

Verdict

At the conclusion of the proceeding, the Judge will issue a verdict. The Judge may also provide reasoning supporting the decision. Depending on the significance of the ruling, that reasoning may later be referenced as:

• Case law
• Legal precedent
• Persuasive authority in future cases

---

​

Court Records

Court proceedings and filings may be documented and retained as part of the official court record. Records may be:

• Publicly available
• Restricted
• Partially sealed
• Fully sealed

depending on the circumstances and applicable court order.

---

​

Civil Procedure

Civil cases generally involve disputes between individuals, businesses, organizations, or government entities rather than criminal prosecution. Civil matters may include:

• Financial damages
• Contracts
• Property disputes
• Business disputes
• Liability
• Other legal disagreements

---

​

Step 1 — File a Civil Complaint

A civil case begins when the plaintiff files a complaint with the court. The plaintiff is the party asking the court for relief. A required court filing fee must be paid when submitting the complaint.

---

​

Step 2 — Judicial Review

A Judge reviews the complaint before the case moves forward. The Judge may:

• Accept the filing
• Deny the filing
• Require corrections
• Request additional information

---

​

Step 3 — Response & Counterclaims

Once the opposing party has been properly notified, they may respond to the complaint. The responding party may file:

• A formal response
• Motions
• Legal defenses
• Counterclaims
• Supporting evidence

A counterclaim allows the responding party to bring their own legal claim against the original plaintiff.

---

​

Civil Discovery

Civil cases follow the same general discovery principle: If you intend to rely on evidence or witnesses at trial, they should be properly disclosed and filed. Discovery may include:

• Documents
• Photographs
• Videos
• Contracts
• Financial records
• Witnesses
• Other relevant evidence

Sealed evidence must follow the applicable procedures for protected information.

---

​

Pre-Trial Motions

Not every civil case reaches a full trial. Before trial, either party may file motions asking the court to resolve specific legal or procedural issues. A motion may ask the court to:

• Exclude evidence
• Resolve a procedural dispute
• Narrow the disputed issues
• Dismiss part of a case
• Dismiss the entire case

If the matter is not resolved through motions or settlement, it may continue to trial.

---

​

Civil Trial

Civil trials generally follow a similar courtroom structure to criminal trials. Both sides may:

• Present evidence
• Call witnesses
• Question witnesses
• Challenge opposing evidence
• Make legal arguments

The main difference is the question being decided.

---

​

Civil Judgments

If the court finds in favor of a party, the Judge may order an appropriate civil remedy. Depending on the case, this may include:

• Financial damages
• Enforcement of an agreement
• Resolution of a contractual dispute
• Other relief permitted under San Andreas law

---

​

Settlements

Civil cases do not always need to be decided through trial. The parties may attempt to reach a settlement before the case is heard. A settlement allows both parties to agree on a resolution rather than having the court determine the outcome. When required, settlements should be properly documented and filed with the DOJ.

---

​

Court Process at a Glance

​

Criminal Case

---

​

Civil Case

---

​

Need Legal Help?

The court system is intentionally designed to create legal roleplay. If your character is:

• Facing a serious criminal charge
• Filing a lawsuit
• Responding to a complaint
• Dealing with complicated evidence
• Unsure about court procedure

you are encouraged to speak with an attorney.