How long does a rape trial last if the defendant plead's not guilty? 41 Answers as of November 29, 2011

3- 5 days to a month. All depends on the facts, allegations, defenses and number of witnesses at trial.

As long as it takes. Think of your question: that is like asking if the sun will rise in the east or elsewhere in the morning. Seriously, it depends on the number of witnesses to be called by the parties, whether the case is held before a jury or judge, how much time the court can devote to this case day-by day, as it has other matters to attend to during this time, as well.

I also am a former state and federal prosecutor for over 26 years. Generally, there is no pre-set length of a trial. I have had criminal trials which lasted half a day and some which have taken weeks to try. We recommend you retain a lawyer ASAP.

the length of a trial depends mostly on the number of witnesses, not so much the subject matter - I have seen rape trial last more than 2 weeks and some as short as 2 days.

It depends on a lot of things, such as is the trial bench or jury? Jury selection will probably take at least half a day if not more. It will depend on how many motions in limine are made as well as how much evidence and how many witnesses both sides call and if the defense presents any case at all. At a bare minimum the prosecution is going to need the victim and some medical personnel to present medical evidence of a rape. It really depends on how many witnesses both sides call. It's possible to get it done in one day, but expect at least two to three days with a few days to a week being the norm. Sometimes they last longer than a week and in rare instances multiple weeks. Usually before going to trial a Trial Worksheet is filled out at the Pretrial Conference and it should list the estimated time for trial in order so the court can prepare their docket accordingly.

For as long as it takes for both parties to present all their respective witnesses, testimony, and evidence.

A trial in that type of case can range anywhere from a couple of days to a week or even two.

The trial lasts until all the evidence is presented to the jury and reach a verdict.

As long as it takes to present all the evidence from both the prosecution and defense, if the defense chooses to present any, combined with time for beginning and closing arguments and jury deliberation time. Each case is different, so there is not a "normal" time frame.

There is no way to predict the time frame for a trial.

Without knowing a lot more about the case, it is not possible to know how long the actual trial will take. Generally after a defendant pleads not guilty, the case is set for a pretrial date that usually occurs between 30 and 60 days from the Omnibus hearing in Minnesota. The Omnibus hearing is the court appearance where most defendant's plead not guilty. If the case does not resolve at the pre-trial then a trial will usually take place 30 to 60 days later. The timelines can vary greatly depending on the jurisdiction or county.

I am assuming you mean, how long until a trial 6 months unless they waive their right to speedy trial. If they waive speedy could be year(s)

The length of any trial is determined by many factors, including: jury or bench trial; how many witnesses for the state; and, how many witnesses for the defense.

It depends on the number of witnesses, both from the Commonwealth and the defense, that will be called to testify. Of course, you have to take into consideration the time it will take the jury to deliberate.

There is no exact answer to how long the trial can last. Usually, if the defendant is detained, the Courts will expedite the proceedings. However, if there are discovery issues that come during the course of the case, that can delay the proceedings and with good cause.

Depends on the number of witnesses and what they say.

That depends on the facts and evidence. The victim usually testifies first. Then the investigating officers. Lastly, any experts testify and the defendant testifies if he so desires. Most witnesses are excused after testifying so for most witnesses, including the victim, the case is over in less than a day. For the accused, the trial would typically run at least three days if not a week.

Each criminal case is different from every other criminal case. A rape case could take weeks to trial. If you are asking how long before the rape case is heard and disposed of, there is no set time.

The answer depends on the case, its complexity and strategy as well as the evidence. If a demand for speedy trial is made, the matter must proceed to trial within 60 days unless there is a basis for an extension. The length of the trial itself would depend on the number of witnesses and evidence presented.

Your question is too general. It can last from a week to a year, depending on the number of witnesses, the amount of evidence to be introduced.

As long as it takes

Depending on the complexity of the case a trial can last anywhere from one day to six months or longer. If you are asking how long a rape prosecution takes you are probably looking at 6 months to a couple of years. Again, this depends on the facts of your case and how complex the case is.

Impossible to answer. What are you considering as "the trial". For me, a trial includes the time prior to selection of a jury where the court and counsel decide the trial scheduole, have hearings on pretrial motions - some of which may require testimony and can be lengthy, , the selection of the jury which , dependining on the facts unique to the case can take several days [some cases have taken a month or more to pick a jury], then there is the opening arguments of the prosecuting and defense counsel, the introduction of witnesses and their direct and cross-examination, post evidentiary hearings re at least jury instructions, instruction of the jury closing arguments then the deliberation of the jury and the return of a verdict, if it reaches one.

It is very depended on the facts of the case, the number of witnesses the prosecutor plans to call, the number of witnesses the defense plans to call and how the individual court calendars work. That said, most 'sexual assault' would take three or four trial days. Some may take more. It is unlikely they would take less.

On average the proceedings leading up to trial take 6 months to a year. How long the actual trial lasts depends on how many witnesses are being called. There is no set time limit for an actual trial.

How long any trial lasts, not just a rape trial, but any trial, depends on numerous factors. For example, the number of witnesses that each side plans to call, and what each witness will testify to, will make a large difference. If there's only 1-2 witnesses being called, then the trial may last less than a week. If you have 10+ witnesses for each side, you're looking at several weeks or longer. Additionally, the amount of evidence that each side intends to introduce will have an impact as well, since there may be challenges to their admissibility. In other words, without knowing the full details about the case, which usually only the prosecutor and defense attorneys will know, there's no way that any person can tell you how long a trial will last. Even the attorneys may sometimes underestimate the amount of time, as there may be unforseen battles that arise.

It depends on how many witnesses and what evidence the State has. Very rough estimate- 2 weeks'ish.

This depends on how many people will testify. Typically a felony rape case should be from 1 to 4 weeks long. However, this changes depending on how much evidence comes out.

Depends on the facts but usually 3 days.

As long as it takes.

Depends on whether it's judge or jury (judge shorter) and how many witnesses. Add at least 30 min to 1 hr for each witness if short questions and 2 hr per witness for long questions.