What usually happens during a criminal case in trial courts?

In trial courts, the process typically includes arraignments and pleas as a fundamental step in the criminal justice system. During an arraignment, the defendant is formally presented with the charges against them, and they have the opportunity to enter a plea, such as guilty, not guilty, or no contest. This stage is essential for establishing how the defendant will respond to the charges, and it sets the stage for subsequent proceedings in the case.

While jury trials are an important aspect of criminal cases, not all cases go to trial; many are resolved through plea agreements or dismissals. Additionally, life sentences are not the usual outcome for every defendant, as sentencing varies widely based on the circumstances of the case, the severity of the crime, and other mitigating or aggravating factors. The involvement of judges on panels of three is more characteristic of appellate courts rather than trial courts, which typically have a single judge presiding over the trial.