A criminal trial can be overwhelming and may even seem frightening which is why it is important for accused individuals to understand what is involved in a criminal trial. There are many questions an accused individual likely has if they are facing a criminal trial.
The standard of proof in a criminal trial is that guilt must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt. The first phase of a trial is choosing a jury. After the jury is selected and empaneled, the next phase of the trial is that each side, the prosecution and defense, will provide opening statements. Witness testimony can then be put on and witnesses may be cross examined by the opposing side. At the conclusion of the trial each side has the opportunity to provide closing statements.
Following closing statements, jury instructions will be provided by the judge presiding over the trial to the jury. The case will then be turned over to the jury for deliberation. Once the jury has arrived a verdict, the judge will be informed and the jury’s verdict will then be read. Depending on what the jury’s verdict is, the accused individual may be released, may be sentenced or may be remanded into custody until they are sentenced. Because a criminal trial can result in the accused individual’s loss of freedom, it is important for them to be familiar with criminal defense options.
Criminal defense rights help protect accused individuals from the accusations that have been leveled against them. A strong criminal defense strategy can refute the charges against the accused individual is facing and provide them with different options for dealing with them.