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The San Andreas Department of Justice (DOJ) oversees the legal framework used throughout Equinox Roleplay. This handbook provides citizens, attorneys, law-enforcement officers, government officials, and other participants with a practical understanding of how the justice system operates. It covers the most common procedures, responsibilities, and expectations involving:
  • Criminal cases
  • Civil disputes
  • Court proceedings
  • Legal filings
  • Attorneys and judges
  • Evidence
  • Sentencing
  • Appeals
  • Other DOJ-related roleplay
You do not need to memorize the legal system to participate in DOJ roleplay. Use this handbook as a reference when you need it.

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How to Use This Handbook

The DOJ Handbook is designed as a working reference, not a substitute for legal training. Players serving as attorneys, prosecutors, judges, or other legal officials are expected to develop a stronger understanding of the laws and procedures relevant to their role. When a situation requires a more detailed legal interpretation, consult:
  • A licensed attorney
  • DOJ leadership
  • Applicable court documents
  • The Penal Code
  • Existing case law or precedent

San Andreas District Courts

Learn how the Judiciary, District Attorney’s Office, and Public Defender’s Office are structured and how each branch functions.

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What’s Inside

Penal Code & Important Documents

Review the Penal Code, criminal classifications, sentencing guidance, legal definitions, constitutional protections, and other foundational legal documents.

Basic Procedures

Learn the basic flow of criminal charges, arraignments, pleas, plea agreements, trials, sentencing, appeals, and other court proceedings.

Court Positions & Responsibilities

Review the responsibilities and limitations of Judges, Prosecutors, Public Defenders, Private Attorneys, and other court personnel.

Filings, Settlements & Case Law

Learn how motions, court filings, civil claims, settlements, agreements, case law, and precedent are handled.

Witnesses & Evidence

Review evidence submission, testimony, credibility, chain of custody, documentation, and evidentiary issues.

Court Policy

Review courtroom etiquette, speaking procedures, conduct, attire, contempt, and other courtroom expectations.

OOC Information

Review out-of-character guidance designed to keep legal roleplay fair, manageable, and consistent.

Official DOJ Legal Website

Access the current external Department of Justice legal website and Penal Code.

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Penal Code & Foundational Documents

The Penal Code and other foundational legal documents establish the legal framework used throughout San Andreas. These resources may include:
  • Criminal offenses
  • Offense classifications
  • Sentencing guidelines
  • Legal definitions
  • Constitutional protections
  • Government authority
  • Other foundational laws and documents
These materials should be referenced when determining:
  • Criminal charges
  • Penalties
  • Rights
  • Legal authority
  • Applicable procedures
Always use the current version of the law. Older copies, screenshots, or previous legal documents may no longer reflect the active Penal Code.

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Basic Legal Procedures

The justice system follows common procedures intended to keep legal roleplay consistent and understandable. Depending on the case, this may include:
1

Charges & Filing

Criminal charges or other legal matters are identified and prepared for the appropriate legal process.
2

Initial Proceedings

The court may address arraignment, representation, pleas, release conditions, or other preliminary matters.
3

Case Development

Attorneys may review evidence, speak with witnesses, negotiate resolutions, and submit necessary filings or motions.
4

Hearing or Trial

When necessary, the prosecution and defense present their arguments and evidence before the court.
5

Decision & Sentencing

The court issues its decision and, when applicable, determines sentencing or other relief.
6

Appeal or Further Review

Certain decisions may be eligible for appeal or additional legal review under applicable DOJ procedures.

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Court Positions & Responsibilities

The justice system includes several roles with different responsibilities and limitations. Common positions include:
  • Judges
  • Prosecutors
  • Public Defenders
  • Private Attorneys
  • Other authorized court personnel
Holding a DOJ or legal position does not give a character unlimited authority. Every position remains subject to its lawful role, ethical obligations, and applicable court procedures.

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Filings, Motions & Settlements

Legal matters may require formal documentation. Depending on the case, this may include:
  • Court filings
  • Motions
  • Civil claims
  • Criminal filings
  • Settlements
  • Agreements between parties
  • Other formal legal submissions
Proper filings create a record of important legal actions and allow larger storylines to continue beyond a single scene.

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Case Law & Precedent

Previous court decisions may influence how future legal disputes are interpreted. Attorneys and Judges may reference applicable case law or precedent when:
  • Interpreting a law
  • Supporting a legal argument
  • Reviewing previous court reasoning
  • Addressing similar legal circumstances
A previous ruling does not automatically control every future case. The facts and circumstances of each case still matter.

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Witnesses & Evidence

Evidence and testimony are central to many legal proceedings. DOJ procedures may address:
  • Evidence submission
  • Evidence handling
  • Witness testimony
  • Witness credibility
  • Documentation
  • Chain of custody
  • Improperly obtained evidence
  • Evidence that may be excluded
Law enforcement, attorneys, and court officials are expected to reasonably preserve the integrity of evidence throughout the legal process.

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Courtroom Policy

Courtrooms are structured roleplay environments and should be treated accordingly. Court policy may establish expectations involving:
  • Courtroom etiquette
  • Speaking procedures
  • Professional conduct
  • Appropriate attire
  • Respect toward the court
  • Disruptive behavior
  • Contempt of court
Courtroom roleplay may involve disagreement, aggressive legal arguments, and emotional testimony.
Argue the case — not with the player.

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Out-of-Character Guidance

Some DOJ documentation contains Out-of-Character (OOC) guidance designed to keep legal roleplay fair and manageable. OOC guidance may address:
  • Expectations for DOJ roleplay
  • Roleplay quality
  • Player fairness
  • Limitations of certain legal procedures
  • Game mechanics that do not perfectly represent real-world law
  • Corruption roleplay
  • Situations requiring additional approval
OOC guidance is not automatically information your character knows in-game.
Always distinguish between: What the player knows and what the character knows.

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DOJ Professional Standards

The Department of Justice may establish professional and ethical standards for individuals practicing within the legal system. Attorneys, court officials, and other DOJ personnel may be subject to:
  • Professional review
  • Disciplinary action
  • License restrictions
  • Suspension
  • Removal from their position
These matters should be handled through appropriate DOJ procedures and roleplay whenever possible.

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A Living Legal System

The legal system of San Andreas may change as Equinox develops. Laws may be:
  • Added
  • Amended
  • Repealed
  • Reinterpreted through court decisions
  • Clarified through DOJ policy
Because of this, the DOJ Handbook should be treated as a living reference. Players who regularly participate in legal roleplay are responsible for remaining familiar with the current version of the laws and procedures relevant to their role.

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Official Legal Reference

Equinox Department of Justice

Access the current San Andreas Penal Code and official Department of Justice legal documentation.

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The DOJ Standard

Protect Due Process

Legal proceedings should protect the rights of all parties and follow established procedures.

Create Legal Roleplay

Use investigations, filings, hearings, trials, negotiations, and legal consequences to create continuing stories.

Keep It Playable

The legal system should support roleplay — not bury every interaction under unnecessary technical arguments.
The DOJ exists to create legal roleplay, not to turn every situation into an argument over real-world law. The goal is to create: Investigations. Cases. Arguments. Consequences. Precedent. Stories. Use the legal system to build roleplay around what happens in the city — not to stop roleplay from happening.