What is the stage after the grand jury in South Carolina's criminal proceedings?

What is the stage after the grand jury in South Carolina's criminal proceedings?

• A. Pre-Trial Hearings
• B. Arraignment
• C. Plea Hearings
• D. Trial

Answer: (B)

The stage that follows the grand jury in South Carolina's criminal proceedings is arraignment. During the grand jury process, evidence is presented to determine whether there is enough evidence to formally charge a suspect with a crime. If the grand jury issues an indictment, the next step is the arraignment, where the defendant is formally charged and given the opportunity to enter a plea. At the arraignment, the defendant hears the charges against them and can respond by pleading guilty, not guilty, or no contest. This stage is crucial as it establishes the formal accusation and sets the course for subsequent court proceedings. Understanding this sequence in the criminal justice process is vital for grasping how cases progress after the initial evidentiary review by the grand jury.

The stage that follows the grand jury in South Carolina's criminal proceedings is arraignment. During the grand jury process, evidence is presented to determine whether there is enough evidence to formally charge a suspect with a crime. If the grand jury issues an indictment, the next step is the arraignment, where the defendant is formally charged and given the opportunity to enter a plea.

At the arraignment, the defendant hears the charges against them and can respond by pleading guilty, not guilty, or no contest. This stage is crucial as it establishes the formal accusation and sets the course for subsequent court proceedings. Understanding this sequence in the criminal justice process is vital for grasping how cases progress after the initial evidentiary review by the grand jury.