The criminal proceedings for felony cases work differently as compared to the procedure involved in minor offences (petty crime) or juvenile cases. The process here can be very complex and it is often very difficult to deal with the same without expert legal help. However, it is entirely up to you to decide whether you want to represent yourself, waive your right to counsel, or hire a lawyer. It all starts when a crime is committed and reported, which follows by an investigation and then arrest.