What is the process of a trial by jury in criminal cases?

When a criminal case goes to trial in Virginia, the process of a jury trial is used. A jury trial is when a group of citizens, chosen through the jury selection process, hears the evidence in the trial and decides if the accused person is guilty or not guilty. Before the trial begins, the jury is chosen through a process called voir dire. During this process, the judge or lawyers will ask questions of potential jurors to make sure they are impartial and have no strong bias or opinion about either side. Once the jury is selected, they will enter the courtroom and are instructed not to discuss the case with anyone or research on their own. The trial will then proceed with both sides presenting their cases. The prosecution will present evidence and testimony to support their claims, as will the defense. The jury is expected to listen carefully to all of the evidence, and then consider it when they make their final decision. At the conclusion of the trial, the jury will retire to the jury room and, after a period of private and honest discussion, will reach a unanimous decision. If they decide the defendant is guilty, then they will issue a sentence, which may include fines, jail time, or other forms of punishment. If they decide the defendant is not guilty, they will render a verdict of acquittal and the defendant will remain a free person. Once the jury has reached a verdict, the judge will announce it and the trial is concluded. The verdict is final and cannot be changed or appealed.

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What is the process of a trial by jury in criminal cases?

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