The trial and possible conviction

You are undoubtedly wondering if the accused is ever going to finally be tried and convicted for their crime. The only answer to that question is, “Perhaps.”

It may take many years before the accused becomes fit to stand trial. They may never be able to.

If a person is found unfit to stand trial, the trial may be suspended for many years. However, the CETM must review the person’s mental state every 12 months to decide if anything has changed. After each hearing, the CETM will make one of the following decisions:

• The accused is fit to stand trial.

• The accused is unfit to stand trial.

• The accused will never be fit to stand trial.

Sometimes, after several years, there may no longer be enough evidence to justify a criminal trial. That’s why the criminal court holds a hearing every two years to decide this issue. If the evidence is no longer strong enough, the person will be acquitted — in other words, found not guilty.