What is the process of a criminal trial?

In Indiana, the criminal trial process begins with the filing of criminal charges, known as an indictment. The indictment is a formal written accusation by a grand jury that details the alleged crimes. After charges are filed, the defendant is arraigned. The arraignment is the formal reading of the charges, and the defendant then enters a plea of “guilty” or “not guilty”. This plea is known as the plea of arraignment. If the defendant pleads “not guilty”, the trial process moves forward. The State must then present evidence in order to prove that the defendant is guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. This includes testimony from witnesses, evidence from the crime scene, police reports, and more. The defense may then present their own evidence. After the evidence is presented, the judge or jury will deliberate and decide if the defendant is guilty. If the defendant is found guilty, they may face criminal punishment ranging from fines to incarceration. If the defendant is found not guilty, they will be released and legally allowed to leave. The entire trial process, from arraignment to verdict, can take several days or weeks, depending on the complexity of the case.

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What is the process of a criminal trial?

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