What is the difference between a trial and a hearing?

A trial and a hearing are both parts of the legal process, but they are two distinct things. A trial is a formal legal proceeding in which a judge and/or jury hears evidence from both sides and then decides whether the defendant is guilty or not-guilty of a crime. Trials often involve lawyers, witnesses, and other people related to the case. A hearing, on the other hand, is a more informal legal proceeding. In a hearing, a judge hears arguments and evidence from both sides and then decides on a particular issue related to the case. Hearings also involve lawyers and witnesses, but they do not always involve a jury. The decision made at a hearing may not result in a guilty or not-guilty verdict, but it may influence the outcome of the case in some way. In Florida, a judge may set a trial or a hearing as part of the legal process. Depending on the type of case, a judge may set a trial for the defendant to prove their innocence or a hearing to settle a dispute between two parties. In either case, it is important for all involved to familiarize themselves with the basic difference between a trial and a hearing in order to understand the legal process.

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