Criminal Trials

Step-by-step guide to criminal trials, from pretrial motions and jury selection to opening statements, cross-examination, post-trial motions, and sentencing.

The Bill of Rights provides certain rights to criminal defendants throughout the criminal process, from arrest to appeal.

After a criminal trial ends in a conviction, the defendant can file a motion for a new trial.

Anyone accused of a criminal offense has the right to a public trial under the Sixth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.

Competence to stand trial relates to the defendant's ability to understand the criminal proceedings, not the crime itself.

If a prosecutor's evidence is insufficient to prove a defendant's guilt, the defense can ask the judge to grant a motion for acquittal and dismiss the case.

A joint trial of codefendants (also known as “joinder”) occurs when a judge merges the cases of two or more defendants.

A verdict of not guilty constitutes an acquittal. In other words, to find a defendant not guilty is to acquit.

A civil case and a criminal case can be based on the same facts but have different outcomes. The famous O.J. Simpson case helps explain why.

The U.S. Supreme Court announced a new rule on judicial bias in 2016.

The use of jury systems varies greatly worldwide, as well as their composition, role, and selection processes.

The Sixth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution and the constitutions of the individual states guarantee the right to a speedy trial.

A continuance is a grant of additional preparation time before or during a trial. Learn the common reasons lawyers ask for continuances and when a judge is likely to grant or deny the motion.