According to the Article 4th of the Federal Code on Criminal Proceedings, in Mexico federal tribunals are in charge to decide if an action, or omission, is a federal offence or felony and its possible consequences, such as the level of responsibility for the defendant, penalties o security measures, etc. In order to achieve that goal tribunals have to go through different stages or proceedings contemplated as part of the Criminal Process. These proceedings are:
- Pre-instruction;
- Instruction;
- First Instance; and
- Second Instance before a Court of Appeal
