2007-07-13 14:17:52 · 3 answers · asked by David L 4 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
Pre-trial means "before trial". This is all of the procedural stuff, preliminary hearings, evidentiary rulings, etc that occurs before a trial.
Someone can plea bargain before a trial, and plead guilty as part of that plea bargain. But no determination of guilt occurs from the court during that time.
So, no, a person cannot be convicted or sentenced before a trial, unless they choose to plead guilty.
2007-07-13 16:10:28 · answer #1 · answered by coragryph 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
No
You can not be convicted without a trial
that is why its called "pleading innocent"
2007-07-13 21:23:30 · answer #2 · answered by Voltaire's book Candide 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's just what it says, a hearing before trial begins. It is not a trial, so you can't be convicted. It's the time when lawyers file motions, like for dismissal of charges, discovery, change of venue, etc.
2007-07-13 21:21:56 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋