In general, judges are in charge of hearings and trials. They decide whether a case should go to trial. To do this, judges listen to the charges and the evidence against the person charged with the crime. During the trial, they listen to what each attorney says and decide what evidence can be used. They also decide which questions an attorney can ask.
Judges often settle small disagreements between lawyers.
Some trials use juries to decide cases. Judges explain the laws to the juries before they make their decision. Judges also give the jury information about evaluating the information given. If juries find people guilty, then judges decide the sentence. Judges also decide if the defendant needs to be paid for court or other costs.