> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.equinoxroleplay.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.
# Basic Procedures
> A simplified guide to criminal and civil court procedures, discovery, trials, settlements, and case progression in San Andreas.
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.
This page is a practical reference. It is not a replacement for attorney training, detailed DOJ policy, or case-specific legal advice.
***
# 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
Acceptance of a Bench Trial Demand does **not** mean the charges were dismissed or that either side has won. It simply moves the dispute into the formal court process.
***
## 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
Evidence that has not been properly disclosed may be challenged during the proceedings.
***
## 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.
If sensitive or sealed evidence is involved, obtaining legal representation may become especially important.
***
# 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.
Impact statements do not replace evidence and do not independently determine guilt.
***
## 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
Acceptance means the case may proceed. It does **not** mean the plaintiff has won.
***
## 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.
The court generally asks:
**Did the defendant commit the charged offense?**
The court generally asks:
**Is one party legally responsible to another, and what remedy is appropriate?**
***
## 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.
Review additional guidance regarding filings, settlements, motions, and precedent.
***
# Court Process at a Glance
## Criminal Case
Law enforcement files or submits criminal charges.
The defendant challenges the charges and seeks legal review.
Defense counsel reviews the charges and available evidence.
A formal request for judicial review is submitted.
The court accepts, denies, or requests additional information.
Parties are notified and required filings are submitted.
Evidence and witnesses are disclosed.
Motions and procedural issues are resolved.
Both sides present their arguments and evidence.
The Judge issues the court's decision.
***
## Civil Case
The plaintiff files a civil complaint and pays the required filing fee.
A Judge accepts, denies, or requests corrections to the filing.
The opposing party is formally served.
The defendant responds and may raise their own claims.
Evidence and witnesses are disclosed.
The parties may resolve issues before trial.
Both sides present their case to the court.
The Judge issues the court's ruling and any appropriate remedy.
***
# 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**.
You do not need to understand every court rule before participating.
**That's what lawyers are for.**