As the exhibit officer and interviewing officers send reports to the Crown attorney's office, the Crown assigned to the case and reviews all the information.

As the Crown is reviewing information, the officers continue to work on the case, "fine-tune" evidence, talk to witnesses, and follow up on new leads. They continue submitting this evidence to the Crown's office to help strengthen the case. 

As the Crown attorney reviews the evidence provided by police officers, they determine whether there is enough evidence to lay a charge. Once the Crown believes there is enough evidence, a charge will be laid. 

It is important to know that the Crown attorney who lays the charge will not necessarily be the Crown attorney who will be assigned to argue the case. 

Mennonite Central Committee Canada. (2011). Getting through the maze: A guidebook for survivors of homicide.