The prosecutor is an attorney who represents the State of New Jersey, and the defense attorney represents the defendant. The judge oversees the proceedings and ensures that they are conducted according to the law and the rules of court. Most criminal trials are decided by a jury consisting of 12 citizens. The jury represents the community in which the crime occurred. The jury's role is to hear the evidence presented by the prosecutor and the defense attorney.
Evidence is presented to the jury by witnesses who testify.
After all the evidence has been presented, the jury discusses the case in private. If all the jurors believe the evidence proves the defendant committed the crime, the jury convicts the defendant by returning a guilty verdict. After a defendant is convicted, the judge imposes a sentence, such as a term in prison. If the jurors do not believe the evidence proves the defendant committed the crime, then the jury acquits the defendant by returning a verdict of not guilty. If the jurors are unable to decide between conviction and acquittal, the judge can declare a mistrial, and a new trial can be held with different jurors.