When they're formally charged.
Depending on where in the process you are speaking of: "person of interest" - "suspect" - "arrestee" - "defendant. "
In a criminal law case there are 6 parties involved. These parties include the victim, the defendant or suspect, the defense attorney, the prosecutor, the judge, and the jury.
Once they are arraigned. This occurs when a suspect (now a defendant) is brought before a court and informed of the charges against them, which is when they must offer a plea of "guilty", "not guilty" or in some cases "no contest" (nolo contendere).
A DEFENDANT - In criminal cases is the person accused/charged with the crime.
Yes, in a criminal trial it is always the government against the defendant.
Sentencing is last step in a criminal prosecution if the defendant is found guilty.
No defendant no charges. It is done.
Pretty much no.
The suspect becomes the defendant during the arraignment, which is the initial court appearance following arrest. During this stage, the defendant is formally charged and enters a plea. The prosecution may also present preliminary evidence to establish probable cause for the charges, which is essential for moving the case forward.
The sides in a civil trial are the same as a criminal trial. There is a plaintiff and a defendant. In a criminal trial the plaintiff is usually the jurisdictioni charging the defendant.
lawyer
The defendant is the person that is being accused of something.