Background:

Robert broke into a home in Bellevue and stole approximately $10,000 in jewelry and electronics. He also consumed a bottle of wine before he fled the scene in a stolen car. The police stopped Robert after noticing him swerving, speeding, and then slowing down on the interstate highway.

During the stop, police saw the "loot" stashed in the back seat of Robert's car and suspected that he was involved in more than driving while intoxicated. Robert was properly arrested and booked for the driving-while-intoxicated charge. The police believed that Robert's fingerprints would match those discovered at the burglary scene and were likely to charge him with burglary and larceny as well as grand theft auto.

Robert called Steven, his long-lost friend from college, to ask whether he should retain counsel because he has no money, but during his call with Steven, he fully admitted to the charges. Since it was Robert's first time in the criminal justice system, he didn't know what to expect. He wondered whether he will have to go to court and what would likely to happen.

Question(s):

If Robert approached you, what would you say that he might experience as part of this process? For example (hint), you may want to advise him as to the bail process, arraignment, plea bargaining, possibility of trial (i.e. bench versus jury), and what type of justice he is likely to experience (i.e. incapacitation, punishment, rehabilitation, etc.).