The many rituals followed in criminal trials have developed over centuries. America's common law heritage makes it possible for all states and the federal government to follow a largely uniform set of trial procedures -- from jury selection to sentencing. Here are explanations of most of the things that will happen at a trial, in the order in which they occur, including jury selection, opening statements, cross-examination, motions to dismiss, and jury instructions.
The Bill of Rights provides certain rights to criminal defendants during trial. There are two fundamental aspects of the U.S.
After a criminal trial ends in a conviction, the defendant can file a motion for a new trial.
Anyone accused of a criminal offense has the right to a public trial under the Sixth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.
A person who isn’t competent to stand trial can’t be convicted of a crime.
When evidence of a defendant’s guilt is particularly weak, a judge can grant a “judgment of acquittal” (or “judgment notwithstanding the verdict”), which is nearly the same as an acquittal by a jur
A joint trial of codefendants (also known as “joinder”) occurs when a judge merges the cases of two or more defendants.
Ninety percent of criminal cases are disposed of by guilty pleas rather than trials. Most of those guilty pleas are the result of agreements between prosecutors and defense attorneys. Plea bargaining is a process in which a prosecutor makes a concession to a defendant (for example, reducing charges or recommending a lighter sentence) in.