How does a federal criminal trial work?

A federal criminal trial works similarly to any other criminal trial. It starts with the selection of a jury. Once a jury is selected, the prosecution will present evidence and testimony to prove the defendant is guilty of the charges. The defense will present their evidence and witnesses to argue why the defendant is not guilty. Once all the evidence is presented, the jury will deliberate. During deliberation, the jury will review the evidence and testimonies presented and come to a conclusion as to guilt or innocence. Once the jury makes its decision, the verdict is read in court. If the defendant is found “guilty” then the judge will move on to a sentencing phase where they can decide on how to best punish the offender. The sentence can vary depending on the severity of the crime and the prior criminal record of the offender. Possible penalties may include fines, probation, or even incarceration. In the event of a “not guilty” verdict, the defendant is found innocent of the charges and can be released. However, depending on the situation, they may need to await further rulings from the judge before being released. At every stage of the federal criminal trial, it’s important for an attorney to represent a defendant. A good attorney can best present the defendant’s case in the most favorable way to maximize their chances at obtaining a favorable verdict.

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