Gwinnett County DUI Jury Trial
A Gwinnett County driving under the influence arrest may result in one of two trials: a jury trial or a bench trial. While a Gwinnett County DUI jury trial is heard by a group of your peers, a judge presides over a bench trial. By speaking with an experienced lawyer, you can determine which option is right for your drunk-driving case.A Gwinnett County DUI jury trial is much more formal than a bench trial and contains many extra steps. The first step is to select the jury. A pool of potential jurors are selected and asked a number of questions by the defense, prosecution, and judge. If a potential juror appears unable to remain biased during the case based on his or her answers, he or she may be excused by the judge.
The defense and prosecution have a number of challenges “for cause” and preemptory challenges they can use during jury selection. A challenge for cause may be used to eliminate a potential juror who us unable to remain objective during the trial, while a preemptory challenge can be used to exclude a juror for any reason.
The next step of the jury trial process begins at the trial once the jury has been selected. Both the prosecution and defense will present their opening statement, in which they will outline the evidence and testimony the jury will see during the trial. The prosecution presents their statement first, while the defense has the opportunity to contest any of the prosecution’s comments.
After the opening statements have been made, the prosecution and defense will call witnesses to testify as well as introduce any evidence. Each side will also have the opportunity to cross-examine the witnesses. Once all of the witnesses have taken the stand, each side will make a closing argument, in which they will highlight the testimony and evidence. The defense may also make the argument that the prosecution did not prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant is guilty of the crime for which he or she has been accused.
Before the jury goes to deliberation, the judge will explain the legal standards they must use to decide the verdict, including the definition of DUI and the evidence that is necessary for a conviction. The jury will then deliberate in order to reach a verdict of guilty or not guilty.
A skilled DUI lawyer will be able to present the evidence to the jury in a way that is favorable to his or her client. Attorneys at HTW&W have many years of trial experience, and will do everything they can to build a solid defense.
For more information on Gwinnet County DUI jury trials, contact our law office today—the first consultation is always complimentary.
