Criminal Court

Initiation

• The State initiates criminal proceedings by bringing charges against the defendant, either following an arrest, the District Attorney's request, or upon the defendant’s request for a hearing in lieu of the standard sentence.

Representation

• The District Attorney represents the State, while the defendant is represented by a Defense Attorney. Defendants also have the option to represent themselves.

Case Procedures

• Prior to the hearing, both the District Attorney and the Defense Attorney exchange full discovery to ensure that all relevant evidence is disclosed. Based on the exchanged information, the District Attorney will decide whether to drop the charges, offer a plea settlement, or proceed to trial.

Standard of Proof

• In criminal cases, the burden of proof rests with the State. The prosecution must prove the defendant’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, while the defense must raise sufficient doubt about the State’s evidence.

Hearing and Decision

• A judge will hear all evidence and testimony presented by both sides. After reviewing the case, the judge will render a final, binding verdict. If found guilty, the case will proceed to the sentencing phase; if not, the defendant will be acquitted.