A criminal case is a legal proceeding in which the government (represented by the prosecutor) charges a person with breaking a law. The prosecutor’s job is to prove that the person committed the crime beyond a reasonable doubt.
The first step in a criminal case is called an arraignment. During the arraignment the defendant will be told what they are accused of, and the judge will ask them to enter a plea. They can choose to plead guilty, not guilty, or no contest (which is like pleading guilty but doesn’t admit guilt). Defendants have a right to have their lawyer present at every step of the case. They can also request a court-appointed lawyer if they can’t afford one.
After the arraignment, the judge may decide to dismiss the case or set a trial date. Sometimes the parties will be able to agree on a plea bargain and avoid having a trial. This is often the best option for the defendant.
During the trial the prosecutor will call witnesses and present evidence. The defendant’s lawyer will be able to question the witnesses and challenge the evidence. At the end of the trial the prosecutor and defense attorney will give closing arguments, or summations, to the jury.
It’s important to remember that each case is different, and this article only gives a general overview of how trials work. If you want to know more about what to expect in your own case, you should speak with an experienced criminal lawyer. You can use our Guide to Legal Help to find lawyers in your area.