Anatomy of A Trial

The Progress of a Typical Criminal Case
Trial Procedure
Colorado Sentencing Chart
Overview of Juvenile Court Proceedings
Juvenile Justice Terms of Art


Trial Procedure

In summary form, assuming that the trial is carried out to completion, the general procedures are as follows:

Judge or jury. The defense decides whether it wants the case tried by a judge or a jury (the prosecution can't require a jury trial).

Jury selection. If the trial will be held before a jury, the defense and prosecution select the jury through a question and answer process called "voir dire." In federal courts and some state courts, the judge carries out this process.

Addressing evidence issues. The defense and prosecution request the court in advance of trial to admit or exclude certain evidence. These requests are called motions "in limine".
Opening statements. The prosecution and then the defense make opening statements to the judge or jury. These statements provide an outline of the case that each side expects to prove.

Prosecution’s case-in-chief. The prosecution presents its main case through direct examination of prosecution witnesses by the prosecutor.

Cross-examination. The defense may cross-examine the prosecution witnesses.
Redirect. The prosecution may reexamine its witnesses.

Prosecution rests. The prosecution finishes presenting its case.

Motion to dismiss. The defense makes a motion to dismiss charges. (Optional)

Denial of motion to dismiss. Almost always, the judge denies the defense motion to dismiss.

Defense case-in-chief. The defense presents its main case through direct examination of defense witnesses.

Cross-examination. The prosecutor cross-examines the defense witnesses.

Redirect. The defense reexamines the defense witnesses.

Defense rests. The defense finishes presenting its case.

Juvenile process

If the minor is a juvenile but the crime or the juvenile's personal characteristics indicate that the case should be handled in adult court, the judge conducts a [“transfer] hearing" to determine whether the minor should be tried as an adult or juvenile.

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