Though state criminal process varies slightly, the general procedure for criminal cases is a jury trial. At a preliminary hearing, the defendant is charged and must enter a plea. A judge decides if bail will be set for the defendant and schedules a trial date. The jury is selected from the community. The trial generally begins with an opening statement from both the defending and prosecuting attorney. The government presents its case against the defendant first and then the defense's case is heard. After all the evidence has been presented, the jury deliberates and returns a verdict. A guilty verdict is usually followed by the sentencing process. In some cases, a verdict can be appealed in a higher court. Pleas of guilty or no contest, sometimes in the case of a plea bargain, no trial is needed and the judge moves straight to the sentencing phase. Consult an attorney in your area for more information about criminal process in your state.