What is the process of a criminal trial?

A criminal trial is the process by which an accused person is tried for a crime in a court of law in California. The process begins with an arraignment, where a formal reading of the charges is read before the court. The accused person then enters a plea of guilty or not guilty. If the accused pleads not guilty, the case proceeds to the trial phase. During the trial, the prosecution calls witnesses to testify and presents evidence that the accused person committed the crime. The defense may then present its own witnesses and evidence in support of the accused. The jury or judge then deliberates and decides if the accused is guilty or not. If the accused is found guilty, a sentencing phase follows in which the court determines a suitable punishment such as community service, jail time, or probation. The accused may appeal the conviction if they believe there was an error at trial or that their sentence was unfair. The appeal goes to a higher court and a new hearing will be held. The process of a criminal trial can be complex, but it remains a cornerstone of the criminal justice system in California.

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What is the process of a criminal trial?

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