Arraignment

An arraignment is called for the defendant to enter a plea of guilty, not guilty, or permitted by law. The defendant can enter the plea by a charging document.

Motions

This means you have to ask a judge to issue a ruling on a legal matter.

Sounding

This is a procedure that court cases do to schedule for a hearing or a trial.

Trial
In a trial, expect the following to occur:

  1. Jury selection
  2. Opening statements are presented by both the prosecution and the defense
  3. The prosecution presents their case
  4. The defendant cross examines
  5. The defense presents their case
  6. The prosecution cross examines
  7. Closing arguments are presented by both the prosecution and the defense
  8. The prosecution, defense attorney and judge decide on specific instructions to the jury
  9. The judge instructs the jury on rules
  10. The jury deliberates
  11. The jury submits their verdict

 

Sentencing

The person convicted of a crime will be given a sentencing depending on the crime. The one who decides the convicted person is guilty or not is the jury.

Appeals

  • Motion for Acquittal
  • Motion For A New Trial
  • Motion For New Sentencing
  • Appeal To Appellate Court
  • Appeal To State Supreme Court
  • Appeal To U.S. Supreme Court
  • In death penalty cases, the appeals process is automatic