Which of the following is NOT a step in the criminal justice process?

The correct answer is plea bargain, as it is not formally recognized as a distinct step in the criminal justice process. The criminal justice process typically consists of stages such as investigation, arrest, trial, and verdict, each serving a key function in addressing crime and administering justice.

During an investigation, law enforcement gathers evidence to determine if a crime has been committed and to identify suspects. The arrest is the next step where a suspect is taken into custody, leading to formal charges. After an arrest, the case moves to trial where evidence is presented, and a verdict is delivered, determining the outcome of the proceedings.

Plea bargaining, while a common practice within the legal system, is more of a negotiation before or during the trial, where the defendant agrees to plead guilty to a lesser charge in exchange for a lighter sentence. It is not an official step in the criminal justice process but rather an alternative resolution that occurs within the framework of the trial phase.