Here is a helpful chart that shows how a criminal case is processed in the justice system.

(Source: California Supreme Court)

The steps of the trial process are described as follows:

Decision by Judge or Jury
The defense generally decides whether a case will be tried to a judge or a jury, but in some jurisdictions both the prosecution and the defense have the right to demand a jury trial.

Jury selection
If the trial will be held before a jury, the defense and prosecution select the jury through a question and answer process called "voir dire." The judge carries out this process using questions suggested by the attorneys as well as questions that the judge comes up with on his or her own.

Evidence issues
The defense and prosecution request the court, in advance of trial, to admit or exclude certain evidence.

Opening statements
The prosecution and then the defense make opening statements to the judge or jury. These statements provide an outline of the case that each side expects to prove. In some cases, the defense attorney reserves opening argument until the beginning of the defense case.

Prosecution case-in-chief
The prosecution presents its main case through direct examination of prosecution witnesses by the prosecutor.

Cross-examination
The defense may cross-examine the prosecution witnesses.

Redirect
The prosecution may re-examine its witnesses.

Prosecution rests
The prosecution finishes presenting its case.

Motion to dismiss
The defense may move to dismiss the charges if it thinks that the prosecution has failed to produce enough evidence to support a guilty verdict.

Denial of motion to dismiss
Almost always, the judge denies the defense motion to dismiss.

Defense case-in-chief
The defense presents its main case through direct examination of defense witnesses.

Cross-examination
The prosecutor cross-examines the defense witnesses.

Redirect
The defense re-examines the defense witnesses.

Defense rests
The defense finishes presenting its case.

Prosecution rebuttal
The prosecutor offers evidence to refute the defense case.

Jury instructions
The prosecution and defense get together with the judge and craft a final set of instructions that the judge will give the jury.

Prosecution closing argument
The prosecution makes its closing argument, summarizing the evidence as the prosecution sees it and explaining why the jury should render a guilty verdict.

Defense closing argument
The defense makes its closing argument, summarizing the evidence as the defense sees it and explaining why the jury should render a not guilty verdict or a guilty verdict on a lesser charge.

Prosecution rebuttal
The prosecution has the last word, if it chooses to do so, and again argues that the jury has credible evidence that supports a finding of guilty.

Jury instructions
The judge instructs the jury about what law to apply to the case and how to carry out its duties.

Jury deliberations
The jury deliberates to reach a verdict.

Post-trial motions
If the jury produces a guilty verdict, the defense often makes post-trial motions requesting the judge to override the jury and either grant a new trial or acquit the defendant.

Denial of post-trial motions
Almost always, the judge denies the defense post-trial motions.

Sentencing
If the defendant is convicted, the judge either sentences the defendant on the spot or sets sentencing for another day.

(Source: Adapted from Nolo.com)