What is a pretrial?

A pretrial is a stage in the criminal justice process that takes place before a trial begins. During the pretrial phase, the prosecution and defense attorneys exchange evidence, negotiate potential plea deals, and discuss procedural matters. The judge may also hold hearings to address evidentiary issues, legal motions, and other pretrial matters.

The purpose of a pretrial is to streamline the trial process, resolve any outstanding legal issues, and potentially reach a resolution without going to trial. This can help save time and resources for both the prosecution and defense, as well as the court.

During a pretrial, the defendant may have the opportunity to enter into a plea agreement, where they agree to plead guilty in exchange for a reduced sentence or other concessions. If a plea deal is not reached, the case will proceed to trial where evidence will be presented, witnesses will testify, and a verdict will be reached by a judge or jury.