What happens if a defendant is found guilty in court?

When a defendant is found guilty in court, the judge informs them of their punishment as the next step in the judicial process. This is a critical part of the sentencing phase, where the judge typically considers various factors, including the severity of the crime, any mitigating or aggravating circumstances, and the defendant's criminal history. The judge will then impose a sentence that could include imprisonment, fines, community service, or other penalties, depending on the nature of the offense and the law.

The immediate actions that follow a guilty verdict do not include releasing the defendant or providing them with a chance for a retrial, as those processes are separate from the sentencing phase. While a defendant does have the option to appeal the verdict after sentencing, that action comes after the court's decision on punishment and cannot be considered a direct consequence of being found guilty in the trial itself.