Consolidation of trials of related offenses

Category: Criminal Procedure

Sec.  22.  Consolidation  of  trials  of  related  offenses.  –  Charges  for offenses founded on the same facts or forming part  of a series of offenses of similar character may be tried jointly at the discretion of the court.
 

WHEN CAN DIFFERENT OFFENSES BE TRIED JOINTLY?

     When the offenses are founded on the same facts or from part of a  series  of  offenses  of  similar  character,  the  court  has  the discretion to consolidate and try them jointly
 

WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF CONSOLIDATION?

     It  is  to  avoid  multiplicity  of  suits,  guard  against  oppression  or abuse, prevent delay, clear congested dockets, simplify the work of the trial court, save unnecessary costs and expenses
   
WHAT  IS  THE  REMEDY  IF  THE  MOTION  FOR  CONSOLIDATION  IS
DENIED?
     
 

CAN THOSE RELATED TO CIVIL LIABILITY ARISING FROM A CRIME BE CONSOLIDATED?

     Yes.    As  a  general  rule,  every  person  criminally  liable  is  also civilly  liable.    Any  criminal  action  generally  is  consolidated  with the civil action unless there is a positive action coming from the
offended party or the accused.
 

CAN  THOSE  RELATED  TO  CIVIL  LIABILITY  NOT  ARISING  FROM  A CRIME BE CONSOLIDATED?

     As  a  general  rule,  independent  civil  actions  are  not  constituted with  the  criminal  action.    They  proceed  independently  from  the criminal action.  
 

X MADE A RESERVATION TO FILE AN INDEPENDENT CIVIL ACTION BASED ON  QUASI-DELICT.   DURING  THE  TRIAL  OF THE CRIMINAL ACTION,  X  CHANGES  HIS  MIND  AND  DECIDES  TO  HAVE  HIS INDEPENDENT CIVIL ACTION CONSOLIDATED?  IS THIS PROPER?

     It  will  not  be  proper  if  it  will  cause  any  prejudice  to  either  the offended party or the accused.