an example
Okay. I go ahead to give you an example in felony criminal case.
1) get bust and arrested over felony drug possession
2) fingerprints, mugshots, etc..
3) must be 48 hours before first court appearance
4) GUILTY or NOT GUILTY
5) if GUILTY SENTENCING hearing scheduled later
6) if not guilty, BAIL BOND
7) many hearings, many motions, etc..
NOTES: during 6 and 7, you might be offered a deal which can be a lesser sentence if you plead guilty.
8) finally the big day is TRIAL
9) DA say BS things about you, and your lawyer argued back
10) closing arguments with DA and defense
11) then JURY go in a tiny room to discuss
12) You found GUILTY with your head bow down and hands in front hold together
13) baliff takes you in custody
14) SENTENCING HEARING for you
15) 15 years in prison with your new boyfriend
get an idea (note, those details I provided you above are not true, but just a picture)