How does a federal criminal trial work?

A federal criminal trial works much like a trial in a state court. The process begins with an indictment, or formal charge, by a federal grand jury. The accused is then brought before the court for an arraignment, where they enter a plea of guilty or not guilty. If a plea of not guilty is entered, the case will proceed to a federal criminal trial. The trial will begin with the selection of a jury. Afterward, both the prosecution and defense will present their case. The prosecution will call witnesses to testify and present evidence to the jury in order to prove the defendant’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. The defense will then do the same in an attempt to disprove the prosecution’s case. Following both sides’ presentations, closing arguments will be made and the jury will retire to deliberate. If the jury finds the defendant guilty, the trial proceeds to sentencing. The judge will consider any mitigating or aggravating factors in the case, as well as the defendant’s criminal history, before announcing the sentence. If the jury finds the defendant not guilty, the trial is over and the accused is free. However, if the prosecution believes the jury reached their decision in error, they may appeal the decision and file for a new trial. In summary, a federal criminal trial follows the same general process as state-level trials.

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How does a federal criminal trial work?

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