.png){kind=logo}
Charges
The different police agencies with Sagadahoc County initiate investigations, which is the basis for criminal charges. Individuals may be issued a summons and a complaint to appear in court, they may be arrested and bailed to appear in court or they may receive notification from the court to appear in cases where the police agency has requested a review of the case prior to acting on an investigation. Misdemeanors are set forth on "complaints" or "information." The Sagadahoc County Grand Jury hears evidence and will issue charges as part of an "Indictment
The different police agencies with Sagadahoc County initiate investigations, which is the basis for criminal charges. Individuals may be issued a summons and a complaint to appear in court, they may be arrested and bailed to appear in court or they may receive notification from the court to appear in cases where the police agency has requested a review of the case prior to acting on an investigation. Misdemeanors are set forth on "complaints" or "information." The Sagadahoc County Grand Jury hears evidence and will issue charges as part of an "Indictment
if there is probable cause to support the charge(s).
The District Attorney Office however is the only agency responsible for deciding whether or not a person or entity should be prosecuted and what crimes will be charged. Because they base their charging decision upon the information gathered by the police agencies, they occasionally have to send the case back to the police agency for further information or investigation. Any person/entity that has been bailed to court must appear in court on the date given on their bail bond or else face the possibility of being arrested. The goal is to always act in the interest of the justice when it comes to the decision to file charges.
Grand Jury
A Grand Jury is a group of approximately twenty-three citizens that meet every other month for a few days to review the evidence in criminal cases and determine whether or not probable cause exists to proceed with prosecution of a felony charge.
If the Grand Jury determines that there is not enough evidence or probable cause, they vote no on our request to indict, issue a "No Bill" and the case is closed. If the Grand Jury determines that there is enough evidence and vote yes to our request, an indictment will be filed against the defendant.
The District Attorney Office however is the only agency responsible for deciding whether or not a person or entity should be prosecuted and what crimes will be charged. Because they base their charging decision upon the information gathered by the police agencies, they occasionally have to send the case back to the police agency for further information or investigation. Any person/entity that has been bailed to court must appear in court on the date given on their bail bond or else face the possibility of being arrested. The goal is to always act in the interest of the justice when it comes to the decision to file charges.
Grand Jury
A Grand Jury is a group of approximately twenty-three citizens that meet every other month for a few days to review the evidence in criminal cases and determine whether or not probable cause exists to proceed with prosecution of a felony charge.
If the Grand Jury determines that there is not enough evidence or probable cause, they vote no on our request to indict, issue a "No Bill" and the case is closed. If the Grand Jury determines that there is enough evidence and vote yes to our request, an indictment will be filed against the defendant.