Whenever a criminal case is filed in Court, the accused only prays that the action be dismissed or that

he be acquitted of the crime charged. No one wants to be imprisoned. In fact no one admits to
criminal responsibility no matter how overwhelming the evidence may be.
To recall, the criminal action stems from either by an inquest proceedings or by virtue of a finding of
probable cause by the Asst. Prosecutor. Subsequent thereto is the filing of the necessary Information.
The Court thereafter evaluates the case and determines whether probable cause exists for the purpose
of issuance of a warrant of arrest.
After arrest, the Court sets the case for Arraignment where the accused will plead guilty or not.
Generally he pleads “not guilty,“ then trial ensues. The degree of evidence required is proof of guilt
beyond reasonable .doubt. After trial and and both parties have rested their case and evidence
formally offered and admitted, the case is deemed submitted for decision. The Court then renders a
judgment of conviction or acquittal taking into account the presence of justifying, exempting,
mitigating or aggravating circumstances. Thereafter, the convicted accused may file a motion for
reconsideration or an appeal to the appellate court, otherwise, he will serve sentence on the imposed
penalty.
Another mode of dismissal or acquittal that may be resorted to is when the defense counsel files a
demurrer to evidence because the evidence presented by the prosecution is not enough to prove the
guilt of the accused beyond reasonable doubt. If the Court grants the said demurrer, then the case is
dismissed or the accused is acquitted. That is how it is in a Court of Law.