What to Expect During a Criminal Trial in Pennsylvania

Being charged with a crime is one of the most serious challenges you can face. If your case proceeds to trial, it’s important to understand each step of the process so you can prepare and protect your rights.

At Sutton & Lovette Law Offices, we guide our clients through every phase of a criminal trial in Pennsylvania with clarity, strategic defense, and aggressive representation.

Step 1: Jury Selection (Voir Dire)

We don’t offer cookie-cutter defense. Our attorneys deliver tailored criminal defense services in Central Pennsylvania designed to protect your freedom, reputation, and future.

If your case is being tried before a jury, the trial begins with jury selection. During this phase, both the prosecution and defense attorneys question potential jurors to identify any biases or conflicts of interest. The goal is to ensure a fair and impartial jury.

Some cases may be heard by a judge only, known as a bench trial, if both sides agree.

Step 2: Opening Statements

Each side presents an opening statement to outline their case. This is not evidence—it’s a preview of what each side believes the evidence will show.

• Prosecution presents first, explaining the charges and their theory of the case.

• Defense follows with a response, laying out their interpretation or raising doubt.

Step 3: Presentation of Evidence

This is the longest and most detailed phase of the trial. Both sides call witnesses, introduce physical evidence, and cross-examine the other side’s testimony.

Prosecution’s Case:

• Presents witnesses, law enforcement officers, forensic experts, and physical evidence to support the charges.

Defense’s Case:

• May challenge the credibility of prosecution witnesses, offer its own evidence, or call witnesses in support of the accused.

• The defendant is not required to testify and has the constitutional right to remain silent.

Step 4: Closing Arguments

After both sides have presented their cases, they deliver closing arguments. Each attorney summarizes the evidence, highlights strengths or weaknesses, and argues for a specific verdict.

Unlike opening statements, closing arguments are persuasive and are used to connect the facts to each side’s legal theory.

Step 5: Jury Instructions and Deliberation

The judge reads instructions to the jury, explaining the laws that apply to the case and the standards for guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

The jury then moves to deliberation, where they privately discuss the case and work toward a unanimous verdict. This process can take hours or days.

Step 6: The Verdict

Once the jury reaches a decision, they return to the courtroom to deliver the verdict:

• Guilty: Sentencing will follow, either immediately or at a scheduled hearing.

• Not guilty: The defendant is acquitted and free to leave.

• Hung jury: If the jury cannot agree, the judge may declare a mistrial, and the prosecution must decide whether to retry the case.

Step 7: Sentencing (If Convicted)

If the defendant is found guilty, the court will hold a sentencing hearing to determine the appropriate punishment. Factors considered include:

• The severity of the crime

• Prior criminal history

• Victim impact statements

• Mitigating or aggravating circumstances

Penalties may include fines, probation, community service, or imprisonment.

Step 8: Appeal (If Applicable)

A conviction is not always the end of the legal process. The defense may file an appeal if there were errors in the trial that violated the defendant’s rights or affected the outcome.

Appeals are handled by higher courts and focus on legal procedures—not retrying the facts.

Why Legal Representation Is Critical

The criminal trial process is complex and high-stakes. Without experienced legal counsel, it’s easy to make critical errors that could affect your freedom and future.

At Sutton & Lovette, we:

• Analyze the prosecution’s case

• File motions to suppress improper evidence

• Develop strategic defenses

• Protect your constitutional rights throughout trial

Facing Trial? Contact a Criminal Defense Attorney Today

If you’re preparing for a criminal trial in Pennsylvania, don’t go through it alone. A strong legal defense starts with the right legal team.

Contact Sutton & Lovette Law Offices to schedule a confidential consultation. We’re here to guide you every step of the way.