Describe how a criminal case is commenced and how it proceeds through the court system. What are the various stages in the proceeding? Be sure to use the correct terminology

Answer 1

A criminal prosecution usually begins with an arrest. After arrest, the accused is booked and appears before a magistrate or justice of the peace where he is given notice of the charges against him, is informed of his rights, and has bail set. Next, a preliminary hearing is held to determine whether there is probable cause to believe that a crime has been committed and that the defendant is the one who has committed it. There may also be an indictment by a grand jury or an information by a prosecuting officer. At the arraignment, the accused enters a plea. If he pleads not guilty, a date for either a jury trial or a bench trial is set.
A criminal trial to a jury begins with jury selection and opening statements by the attorneys. Evidence is presented, closing statements are made, and the jury is instructed as to the applicable law. The jury retires to arrive at a verdict. If the verdict is "guilty," the judge will enter a judgment of conviction and set the case for sentencing. The defendant may make a motion for a new trial or may appeal. The State has no right to appeal from an acquittal.