Criminal prosecutions are legal processes where the government, represented by a prosecutor, brings charges against an individual or entity accused of committing a crime. The goal is to determine whether the accused is guilty of the alleged offense, which can range from minor infractions to serious felonies. The prosecution must present evidence and witnesses to support their case in a court of law. During a criminal prosecution, the accused has the right to defend themselves, often with the help of a lawyer. The process includes various stages, such as arraignment, pre-trial motions, and the trial itself, where a judge or jury ultimately decides the outcome based on the evidence presented.