Can a defendant appeal a conviction?
Yes. If a defendant believes their trial was unfair due to legal errors, they may appeal to a higher court for review.
What are the possible sentences?
A judge may impose: Fines – Monetary penalties Probation – Supervised release with conditions Community Service – Court-ordered volunteer work Jail or Prison Time – Incarceration for a set period Pretrial Intervention (PTI) – A diversionary program for first-time offenders Parole Supervision – Early release with conditions
What happens after a guilty verdict?
The judge schedules a sentencing hearing. Before sentencing, the court considers several factors, including: The severity of the crime The defendant’s prior criminal history Any mitigating (positive) or aggravating (negative) circumstances