We already live in a civilized society. We have established protections for our right to due process. In every allegation, accusation, and averments, you will be given the opportunity to confront it so you can be heard and defend yourself. So, it does not mean that if you are accused of a crime, you will immediately be prosecuted and found guilty over it.
2. RIGHT TO COUNSEL
You have the option to avail of the services of a lawyer. In case you are not familiar with the laws and the legal procedures, you will be guided and represented by a counsel. Do not be scared because you will always have the protection that could be utilized from our laws.
3. RIGHT TO REMAIN SILENT
It is a basic rule enshrined in our Constitution that an accused is entitled to his right to not say anything. Anything you say may be used against you, so better if you are not sure, play safe and undergo with the legal procedures.
4. WHAT HAPPENS AFTER A COMPLAINT IS FILED
You will be given the chance to answer the complaint. In that answer, you may lay down all your defenses and evidence to confront and controvert the allegations in the complaint.
5 . PRELIMINARY INVESTIGATION
In this stage, the prosecutor will determine the probability of your guilt. You can answer the allegations in the complain if you really have a good defense, otherwise, it is better to just proceed to trial, meaning, you wait for the resolution of the prosecutor. In case, there is recommendation to bring the complaint to the Court, you can defend your side by presentations done by your lawyer.
6. FILING OF AN INFORMATION
Information is the one filed to the court coming from the prosecution's office. This is done if there is a probable cause found from the complaint.
7. ARRAIGNMENT
If the complaint proceeds to the Information and later on filed to the court then a hearing is called, this is the arraignment. You will be asked by the court of your comment. This is the question "guilty or not guilty? you say "guilty" if you are admitting the allegations in the criminal case filed. If not, you simply say "not guilty"
8. BAIL
Now, if your case is bailable, the court may set an amount which you may pay so that you can still enjoy your liberty. Instead of staying inside prison, you may stay outside while your case is ongoing.
9. PRE-TRIAL
The following step after araignment is this. The evidence to be presented by the complainant and there witnesses will be listed. Then, the defense will be next. You will also list all the evidence and witnesses you will present during the trial.
10. TRIAL
This is set to another date. This starts the hearing for the presentation of the witnesses together with the evidence. The prosecution/complainant will be the first one to present. After all witnesses are presented, you will follow. Usually one witness is presented per hearing.
