Final answer:
The proper chronological stages of the criminal process are arrest, preliminary hearing, and arraignment. These steps ensure the accused's rights are protected, leading to a trial where the jury determines guilt or innocence. Afterward, sentencing is passed by a judge if the defendant is found guilty.
Step-by-step explanation:
The correct chronological stages of the criminal process are arrest, preliminary hearing, and arraignment. This sequence aligns with the typical steps followed in the criminal justice system. Once an individual is arrested, they may go through a preliminary hearing where the judge determines if there is enough evidence to proceed. If the case moves forward, the individual will be arraigned, where they are formally charged and can enter a plea. It's important to note that certain particulars can vary by jurisdiction and the specific details of the case.
During these stages, the rights of the accused are paramount, as outlined by the Fifth, Sixth, and Seventh Amendments which guarantee a fair process, including the right to counsel and a speedy and public trial by an impartial jury. If a plea bargain is not reached, the next step is jury selection, where jurors are screened for impartiality before the trial commences. The jury's role is to determine the defendant's guilt or innocence, after which the judge will pass sentence if the defendant is found guilty.