Yes, if a case goes to trial and the defendant faces imprisonment, the Sixth Amendment guarantees that criminal defendants have a right to trial by jury. The exception is for so-called petty crimes that cannot result in imprisonment for very long.
- If the case proceeds to trial what happens next?
- If the grand jury refuses to indict can the prosecutor re-file?
- What are other distinguishing features of a grand jury?
- What is a grand jury?
- Can a defendant waive a preliminary hearing?
- What does a defense attorney hope to accomplish at a preliminary hearing?
- Does a defendant have a right to a preliminary hearing in state court?
- What is a preliminary hearing?
- What is an information?
- Does a judge have to accept a plea bargain and give the defendant the sentence offered by the prosecution?
- Once a prosecutor offers a plea bargain can he or she renege on the deal?
- What are possible disadvantages of plea bargaining?
- What are the benefits of plea bargaining?
- What is the process of plea bargaining?
- What happens if the defendant pleads guilty?
- Does the defendant have to physically appear before a judge at the initial appearance and the arraignment?
- What else takes place at the arraignment?
- Can a person choose to waive or decline counsel and represent himself or herself?
- Why does a criminal defendant need an attorney?
- How do you qualify for a court-appointed attorney?
