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Choosing a Jury Trial/What is a Jury Trial?

On Behalf of | Nov 28, 2021 | Criminal Law, Firm News

Every person charged with a crime in the United State has a right to a jury trial. Clients decide from time to time that a trial is necessary. In those instances, when the prosecutor would not bend and the balance to obtain a dismissal or reach a negotiated plea never shifted, we have a jury trial.

Jury trials are a right but also a risky proposition. No one can predict what twelve people will decide based on the evidence they hear at trial.

Find a lawyer with the experience to evaluate your case honestly for you; one who does not promise outcomes. No one can guarantee a specific outcome. Zealous advocacy and sound advice are what you need.

During the course of a guilty plea, criminal defendants around the country answer a series of questions designed to determine whether the defendant is entering a plea knowingly, freely, and voluntarily. “Do you waive your right to a jury trial?” or some variation is one of those questions.

A local judge tends to follow up on that question with, “do you know what a jury trial is?” The answer from the criminal defendant is usually, “Yes.” Next, “what is a jury trial?” Inevitably, my client will stammer and stutter without an answer, in spite of the education and coaching we’ve done around answering that particular question.

All citizens carry basic rights under the U.S. Constitution. While the public retains a general familiarity with the topics covered by the Constitution, the specific details of each right become the focus for criminal defendants facing prosecution. The cumbersome criminal justice system requires a more detailed explanation for those charged with a crime.

What is a jury trial?

The short answer: when 12 (felony) or 6 (misdemeanor) citizens hear evidence and argument and law in order to determine whether a person is guilty or not guilty.

The longer answer: A jury trial is made of many parts. Some trials may take only a few hours, some can take weeks. Generally, a jury trial has these parts.

Jury Selection

Preliminary Instructions to the Jury

Opening Statement by the State

Opening Statement by the Defense

State’s Case

State Rests

Defendant’s Motion for Directed Verdict of Acquittal

Defense Case

Defendant Notified of Right to Choose to Testify or Not Testify

Defendant’s Witnesses, if any

Defendant’s Testimony, if applicable

Defendant Rests

Rebuttal Evidence, if any

Jury Charge Conference

State’s Initial Closing Argument

Defendant’s Closing Argument

State’s Final Closing Argument

Judge’s Charge to the Jury

Jury Deliberation

Verdict

Sentencing, if necessary