A trial is the examination of facts and law presided over by a judge.
The following process will be conducted by both the defense attorney and prosecuting attorney:
- Opening statements
- Direct examinations of their witnesses
- Cross examinations of the opposing witnesses
- Closing arguments
Non-jury trial
The judge determines the guilt or innocence of the defendant.
Jury trial
The defendant’s case will be presented to a jury and the factual questions and the final judgment are determined by the jury. The jury decides the guilt or innocence of the defendant. The judge will determine the punishment if a guilty verdict is returned by the jury.