What occurs in the first stage of a criminal case before it goes to trial?

In a criminal case, the first stage before it goes to trial involves the defendant's first appearance before a judge. This appearance is crucial because it serves multiple functions: it allows the defendant to hear the charges formally brought against them, to be informed of their rights, and to have issues like bail addressed. During this initial stage, the judge will ensure that the defendant understands the nature of the charges and may set the conditions for their release or continue to hold them in custody while the case moves forward.

While pre-trial conferences, plea bargain negotiations, and verdict announcements are all significant parts of the criminal process, they occur at later stages. A pre-trial conference typically happens after the initial appearance and is aimed at addressing the trial's logistics and identifying any potential plea deals. Plea bargaining is also a process that occurs after the first appearance as both the prosecution and defense may negotiate a plea deal before trial. A verdict announcement, on the other hand, is the conclusion of the trial, summarizing the jury's decision regarding the defendant's guilt or innocence. Therefore, the appearance before the judge is indeed the first critical step in the criminal justice process.