At the hearing, the court either acquits or convicts the defendant, or discharges him from prosecution on a point of law. When someone is convicted, a sentence, such as a fine, an alternative sanction, or a term of imprisonment, or a non-punitive order will be imposed. Furthermore, the person then has a criminal record for a specified period of time.

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Trial

Latest from Criminal Law | Overview

Suspects

The police can arrest someone who is suspected of committing a criminal offence and question him.…

Trial

Once the investigation has been concluded, the public prosecutor may decide to prosecute a suspect. In…

Appeal

On appeal, a different (higher) court reviews the case. This court may convict or acquit the…

Victims and witnesses

Victims or witnesses of a crime also find themselves having to deal with the criminal justice…

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