What is the next step after the warrant, probable cause, or grand jury stage in a criminal case?

• A. Arrest
• B. Sentencing
• C. Bail
• D. Trial

Answer: (A)

The next step to move a criminal case forward is to arrest the person. When a warrant or probable cause exists, authorities are authorized to take the suspect into custody. The grand jury’s indictment formally charges the person, but you still need to bring the individual into the court system—typically by arrest or presentment to the court if they’re already in custody. Once arrested, the case proceeds to the initial appearance, possible bail decisions, and eventually to trial.

Why the other stages aren’t the immediate next move: sentencing only happens after a conviction, and a trial happens later in the process after arraignment and other pretrial steps. Bail is a potential follow-up step after arrest, not the initial action to move the case from charging to court proceedings.