What are the five main stages of a criminal trial?

Asked by: Ms. Lulu Feest III  |  Last update: November 10, 2023
Score: 4.1/5 (13 votes)

There are 5 stages to a criminal case that everyone arrested needs to know about. They five stages are as follows: the first appearance, the arraignment, motions, pre-trial conference and trial.

What are the processes of a criminal trial?

During the trial, lawyers present evidence through witnesses who testify about what they saw or know. After all the evidence is presented, the lawyers give their closing arguments. Finally, the jury decides if the defendant is guilty or not guilty. The jury must find the defendant guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

What are the five steps in a criminal trial quizlet?

Match
  • Stage #1: Entry into the Criminal Justice System. REPORTING OF THE CRIME. LAW ENFORCEMENT INVESTIGATION. ...
  • Stage #2: Pretrial and Further Investigation. INITIAL APPEARENCE. ...
  • Stage #3: Determination of Guilt. PLEA AGREEMENT. ...
  • Stage #4: Sentencing/ Appeal. 30-45 days until sentencing. ...
  • Stage #5: Corrections. PROBATION.

What are the steps in a trial in order?

Order of Events in a Trial
  1. Opening Statement: The lawyers for each side will explain the case, the evidence they plan to present, and the issues for the jury to decide.
  2. Presentation of Evidence: ...
  3. Rulings by the Judge: ...
  4. Instructions to the Jury: ...
  5. Closing Arguments: ...
  6. Deliberation:

What are 5 steps in the trial procedure process?

Trial Process
  • Step 1: Selection of the Jury.
  • Step 2: The Trial.
  • Step 3: Juror Conduct During the Trial.
  • Step 4: Jury Deliberations.
  • Step 5: After the Verdict.

What is the Court Process of a Criminal Case?

40 related questions found

What comes first in a trial?

Since the burden of proof is on the state, the prosecution presents their case and all of their evidence first. After the prosecution has presented their case, the defense can question the prosecution's witnesses. Then the defense may present its case and all of its evidence.

How many steps are there in a trial?

There are four main stages to a trial. In sequence, they are: Pleading Stage - filing the complaint and the defense's motions. Pretrial Stage - discovery process, finding of facts.

What is step 5 of managing the crime scene?

5. Document and Process Scene. It is imperative to follow proper procedures for collection so that no evidence is destroyed or contaminated.

What are the 4 steps to a trial?

The Trial
  1. Opening Statements. Every trial proceeds in basically the same way. ...
  2. Presenting the Prosecution/Plaintiff's Evidence. Opening statements are followed by the case-in-chief. ...
  3. Presenting the Defense's Evidence. ...
  4. Closing Arguments. ...
  5. The Jury's Verdict.

What are the various stages of a criminal trial quizlet?

Match
  • 1: Investigation. Crime reported. ...
  • 2: Arrest. Miranda Rights read. ...
  • 3: Booking. Formal process of making police record to arrest. ...
  • 4: Preliminary Hearing. Screaming devices used to determine if there's enough evidence to require defendant to stand trial. ...
  • 5: Indictment. ...
  • 6: Arraignments. ...
  • 7: Trial. ...
  • 8: Verdict.

At what stage in the criminal process does the defendant typically plead guilty or not guilty?

Arraignment. The suspect makes his first court appearance at the arraignment. During arraignment, the judge reads the charges filed against the defendant in the complaint and the defendant chooses to plead "guilty," "not guilty" or "no contest" to those charges.

At what stage of the criminal procedure is the accused asked to enter a plea?

During an Arraignment, the accused, now called the defendant, is read the charges against him or her and advised of his or her rights. The defendant also enters a plea of guilty or not guilty.

What is the most important step in a trial?

Which steps in the trial do you feel are most important or determinative of guilt or innocence? The obvious answer to this question is the jury deliberation stage.

What is the most important stage of the trial?

At the heart of any criminal trial is what is often called the "case-in-chief," the stage at which each side presents its key evidence to the jury. In its case-in-chief, the government methodically sets forth evidence in an attempt to convince the jury beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant committed the crime.

What is the final order in a criminal case?

Final Court Order means a court order or judgment that has been signed by a judge and shows the stamp of the court clerk or trial court administrator, indicating the order is a certified copy of the original record on file with the court.

What are the 7 S's of a crime scene?

The Seven S'S of Crime-Scene Investigation
  • Securing the Scene.
  • Separating the Witnesses.
  • Scanning the Scene.
  • Seeing the Scene.
  • Sketching the Scene.
  • Searching for Evidence.
  • Securing and Collecting Evidence.

What is the most important step in a crime scene?

Secure the Scene

The first officer to arrive at the scene should secure the scene by making sure that everyone in the area is safe and isolate the area to preserve evidence. This may include arresting suspects and obtaining medical assistance.

In which order should any crime scene be processed?

What are the correct order of the steps taken while processing a crime scene? Assess the crime scene and assist those who are hurt, Detain witness, Arrest the perp, Protect crime scene, Take notes.

How long does trial last?

A trial can last up to several weeks, but most straightforward cases will conclude within a few days. In a typical trial, lawyers on both sides will present their argument with supportive evidence and question witnesses.

Which side has the burden of proof in a criminal trial?

THE PROSECUTION IN A CRIMINAL CASE BEARS THE BURDEN OF PROVING TO THE JURY BEYOND A REASONABLE DOUBT ALL OF THE ELEMENTS NECESSARY TO ESTABLISH THE GUILT OF THE DEFENDANT.

What is the burden of proof in law?

The burden of proof determines which party is responsible for putting forth evidence and the level of evidence they must provide in order to prevail. In most cases, the plaintiff (the party bringing the claim) has the burden of proof. As an initial matter, they must meet the burden of production.

What is it called before you go to trial?

A pretrial hearing, sometimes called a pretrial conference, is a meeting of the defense, the prosecution, and the judge before a trial commences. If one party does not appear, the judge can impose sanctions. During this hearing, a range of documents may be presented, evidence can be presented and excluded, and more.

What is the judge's chief responsibility in a trial?

Judges provide instructions to juries prior to their deliberations and in the case of bench trials, judges must decide the facts of the case and make a ruling. Additionally, judges are also responsible for sentencing convicted criminal defendants.

What are the 7 steps of a trial?

Criminal Trial Phases
  • Choosing a Jury.
  • Opening Statements.
  • Witness Testimony and Cross-Examination.
  • Closing Arguments.
  • Jury Instruction.
  • Jury Deliberation and Announcement of Verdict.

Which trial right is most significant and why?

Right to a Speedy Trial: This right is considered one of the most important in the Constitution. Without it, criminal defendants could be held indefinitely under a cloud of unproven criminal accusations.