Criminal Case Summary

Neutral, verifiable summary of a criminal case from initiation through disposition.

Required Inputs

1. Charging documents — complaint, information, indictment, superseding filings
2. Docket / timeline — key dates, hearings, rulings
3. Motions and orders — suppression, discovery, evidentiary rulings
4. Transcripts — hearings, trial, plea, sentencing
5. Evidence inventory — exhibits, reports, forensic results, witness lists
6. Disposition records — verdict forms, plea agreement, judgment, sentencing order

Quick Start

1. Collect all available case materials from the list above.
2. Walk through each section below in order; mark inapplicable sections "Not applicable" with a brief reason.
3. Flag any unverified statute or procedural point with [VERIFY].
4. Review against the pitfalls checklist before delivering.

Output Sections

1. Case Header

| Field | Value | |---|---| | Court / Jurisdiction | | | Case No. | | | Parties | | | Judge | | | Prosecutor | | | Defense Counsel | | | Defendant Status | in custody / out / pretrial supervision |

2. Charges

List all charges including amended or dismissed counts.

| Count | Statute | Charge | Level | Enhancements | Disposition | |---|---|---|---|---|---| | | | | felony / misdemeanor | | pending / dismissed / convicted / acquitted |

• Include statute citations; mark unverified ones [VERIFY].
• Note charging changes with dates and authority (e.g., superseding indictment).

3. Core Facts (Neutral)

Concise, non-argumentative narrative covering:

• Key incident date(s) and alleged conduct tied to each count
• Victim/witness identifiers (initials if privacy-sensitive)
• Arrest or charging basis
• Context needed to understand the charges

4. Evidence Summary

Cover both prosecution and defense evidence.

| Item | Source | Relevant Count(s) | Admitted / Excluded | Ruling / Notes | |---|---|---|---|---|

Categories to address: physical, documentary, digital, witness testimony, expert testimony, forensic analysis, demonstrative exhibits, suppression issues.

5. Procedural History

Chronological timeline of material events.

| Date | Event | Outcome / Ruling | Citation | |---|---|---|---|

Include: arraignment, pretrial motions, discovery disputes, continuances, mistrials, trial or plea hearing dates.

6. Trial Summary (if tried)

| Phase | Key Points | |---|---| | Jury selection | | | Openings | | | Prosecution case | | | Defense case | | | Rebuttal | | | Closings | | | Jury instructions | | | Deliberations | |

Include objections/rulings only if outcome-relevant.

7. Plea Summary (if plea)

Cover: plea type, counts pled, dismissed counts, factual basis, sentencing terms, waivers.

8. Verdict / Findings

| Count | Verdict | Special Findings | Notes | |---|---|---|---|

9. Sentencing

| Count | Sentence | Concurrent / Consecutive | Credits | Fines / Restitution | Supervision | |---|---|---|---|---|---|

Include total custodial term, probation/supervised release, and all conditions.

10. Post-Trial / Post-Conviction

Note any: motions for new trial, appeals filed and status, post-conviction relief petitions, sentence modifications.

11. Open Issues / Unknowns

List missing documents or unresolved factual/procedural gaps.

Pitfalls

• Neutrality — no advocacy or opinion; do not infer facts beyond the record.
• Cite sources — tie evidence and facts to specific counts; reference docket entries, transcripts, or exhibits.
• Jurisdiction terminology — respect variations (information vs. indictment, etc.).
• [VERIFY] tag — use on any uncertain statute citation or procedural point.
• Privacy — use initials for victims/witnesses when appropriate.