It may be a long road to get to trial but for some individuals, this platform allows them the best opportunity to present their case. They may have been offered a settlement deal that was not fair and in a court their Ventura criminal defense attorney can argue for their innocence. In the United States, those who are accused of a crime and have their case taken to court do have the option of determining how they want to be tried. This can be done before a court or before the jury.
In a jury trial, peers will be selected and both attorneys will be a part of the selection process which is known as the voir dire. During the selection process, both attorneys will want to asses potential candidates to determine if they will be fair. In many cases, a defendant will want to have the chance to convince their peers that they are innocent so they will select this option. Under the recommendation of an attorney, however, there are situations where they may choose the court trial instead.
The trial begins with opening statements. This is the initial introduction to each side of the case and both sides will have the right to give their statement. Next, the evidence will be presented before the court, along with witnesses statements. Putting a witness on the stands means that both sides are able to question them. A defendant may choose not to be put on the stand and this can be a decision that they make with their lawyer. Once all evidence has been presented, the closing arguments will be given. The jury will then have a chance to deliberate before returning with a verdict of guilty or not guilty.