Bench Trial Vs Jury Trial
In a criminal proceeding in state court a defendant may face a jury trial or a bench trial.
Bench trial vs jury trial. So what is a bench trial hearing best for when it comes to different legal cases. In a jury trial the judge will determine any questions of law and the jury will decide all issues of fact. One of the best reasons to choose a bench trial is having a complicated legal issue that a jury wouldn t understand. Reasons for a bench trial.
Contact an experienced criminal defense attorney in houston. That of the referee who rules on the admissibility of evidence and decides questions of law and that of the finder of fact who ultimately determines how much weight to give the testimony of different witnesses. This article provides important tips for a bench trial to ensure that you are positioned for success. In a bench trial there will not be a jury present.
A jury trial is almost like a bench trial but there s a critical difference. This means that the judge will be the one who will not only decide the factual issues of the case but the judge will also deal with the legal or. Keep in mind that the choice between a jury trial and a bench trial is exactly the sort of strategic decision you re paying your lawyer to make. The judge does not reach the verdict instead the job of acquitting or convicting lies in the jury s hands.
What is a bench trial. Thus as a legal practitioner it is essential to understand some of the nuances of a bench trial. In other words the judge decides what evidence is allowed at trial and the jury decides whether or not you are guilty. Not only will your lawyer be able to make a decision based on the specific facts of your case but your lawyer will also be familiar with the prior decisions of your specific judge and the tendencies of the average juror in your county.
A bench trial is a trial to the judge. A jury trial is a trial before a jury of 6 or 12 people who after hearing the evidence and legal arguments decide whether the defendant is guilty or not guilty of the charges against him. As you can see there are some advantages of a jury trial and advantages of a bench trial. The judge s role is limited to moderating the proceedings determining what evidence is admissible answering questions of law and instructing the jurors on what legal means to employ in their decision.
The decision to choose a bench trial or jury trial can affect the outcome of your case sometimes in profound ways. Before deciding whether a bench trial or a jury trial is best for you consult with an experienced criminal defense attorney.