How does an offender typically first interact with the criminal justice system?

An offender typically first interacts with the criminal justice system through police action. This stage marks the initial point of contact where law enforcement officials become involved, often as a result of a reported crime or observed suspicious behavior. When officers respond to an incident, they may arrest an individual suspected of committing a crime. This arrest initiates the criminal justice process, which then progresses through various stages, including booking, arraignment, and potentially trial.

Having police action as the first point of contact is crucial because it sets the tone for the subsequent legal proceedings. Law enforcement gathers evidence, conducts investigations, and ultimately determines whether there is sufficient cause to charge someone with a crime. Other options, such as attending a trial, being taken into a correctional facility, or arranging attorney services, occur later in the process after the initial police engagement has taken place.