How many times are criminal cases usually heard?

Criminal cases are generally heard only once during the trial process. The length or number of days for the hearing will depend on the circumstances. If a trial is stayed during the first session, the same case will be heard twice. However, the court will control the number of court sessions, and each case will be fully prepared before the trial, with a view to completing the trial in one session. When hearing criminal cases, the people's courts must also follow the principles of efficiency and concentration.

Legal Basis

Article 208 of the "Criminal Procedure Law of the People's Republic of China" When a people's court hears a public prosecution case, it shall pronounce a verdict within two months after accepting it, and no later than Three months. For cases in which the death penalty may be imposed or cases with attached civil litigation, as well as cases involving one of the circumstances specified in Article 156 of this Law, the People's Court at the next higher level may extend the extension for three months; if an extension is required due to special circumstances, the extension may be extended by three months. It should be submitted to the Supreme People's Court for approval.

For cases where the people's court changes its jurisdiction, the trial period shall be calculated from the date the people's court accepts the case after the change.

If a case under supplementary investigation by the People's Procuratorate is transferred to the People's Court after the supplementary investigation is completed, the People's Court will recalculate the trial period.